- Paris-based Para athletes underperform in medal count expectations
Sprint athlete Leon Schafer expressed frustration after missing out on a medal, while Niko Kappel, who bagged silver, walked away dejectedly at the Stade de France. The German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) wasn't the only team underperforming in the first half of the Paris Paralympics; only two gold medals had been secured, falling short of the target set by DBS President Friedhelm Julius Beucher to rejoin the top ten nations.
"In terms of gold medals, we're a bit behind where we aimed," shared Chef de Mission Karl Quade. "But we're on target with the total medal count. We're hoping to make up ground in cycling, athletics, and rowing to catch up with the leading nations."
The competition pressure is mounting. Germany once enjoyed a substantial lead in several areas, but that advantage has now vanished. "The pressure is escalating, and it's evident when you look at the medal tally," noted Kappel. "Numerous nations previously considered minor players are now stepping up their game. We need to keep evolving and find ways to remain relevant. We're sliding further and further behind."
Streng's Move and the "Philosophy Question"
Unlike Kappel, Felix Streng prefers training in the UK due to the better opportunities on offer. He views his bronze medal in the 100m as a testament to his dedication. "It's all about how my coach and I operate. We have a multicultural, global team," said Streng. "Whether it's better or worse, that's a matter of philosophy."
The 29-year-old also acknowledges that top athletes are closing the gap. A mere 0.03 seconds separated the top six places, and just 0.01 seconds separated silver and bronze. Despite this, Streng maintains a positive outlook. "If you leave with a medal, you've demonstrated a world-class performance, and that should be recognized," he said.
Quade now expects his teammates to step up and excel in the remaining competition days. "It's all about how we perform in the closing stages," he said. "We've had some pleasant surprises, like Maurice Wetekam's Paralympics debut and the gold medals won by Josia Tim Alexander Topf and Tanja Scholz in swimming."
France has been consistently performing well in the Paralympics, often challenging the top nations. Despite Germany's struggles in the first half, they aim to regain their position in athletics, cycling, and rowing, looking towards France as one of the countries they need to keep pace with.
The German team's underperformance in the first half of the Paris Paralympics has put France in a position to potentially surpass them in certain events, adding an extra layer of pressure for the German athletes.
