Remarkable performance sets record for Olympic contender
The decision to bypass the European Championships proves fruitful as Leo Neugebauer thrives in the US, breaks his own German record, and nears the mystical sound barrier in the decathlon. Looking towards the Olympics, Neugebauer anticipates great achievements.
Leo Neugebauer brought home an astounding triumph in the decathlon, only two months before the Paris Olympics, and set a new personal best in the process. This German athlete amassed 8961 points, which bettered his previous title defense at the same location that took sixth place on the global all-time best list.
Remarkably, Neugebauer became only the fifth decathlete in history to score over 9000 points: the current world record holder, Kevin Mayer (9126 points, France), Ashton Eaton (9045, USA), Roman Sebrle (9026, Czech Republic), and Damian Warner (9018, Canada) are the other four.
"I can't even convey how great this feels. I can't put my emotions into words," Neugebauer exclaimed after his final competition for the University of Texas. Though Neugebauer missed the much-desired 9000 points by a slim margin, he expressed confidence that he could gain those crucial points in other events. "I gave my all in the last 1500-meter race, but unfortunately, it was not enough," he said.
"Incredible feeling"
In the previous year, Neugebauer shined in the US, setting a new record of 8836 points which surpassed decathlon icon Jürgen Hingsen's mark of 8687 points. In this year, Neugebauer also bettered the previously held 22-year-old national indoor record of Frank Busemann. "In the last two years, I've put in a lot of effort," Neugebauer commented on his time in Austin and expressed optimism for the Olympics: "Right now, I feel incredible."
Neugebauer's first day at the US College Championships in Oregon was profitable, and his strong second-day performance included a 14.36-second run in the 110-meter hurdles, a 57.70-meter throw in the discus, a 5.21-meter clearance in the pole vault, and a finish in the 1500-meter run with 4:44.61 minutes.
Neugebauer is currently a student and trains in Austin at the University of Texas. He opted out of participating in the European Championships for the US College Championships. Neugebauer's success in Eugene should also help him at the Olympics. Last year, he dropped to fifth place at the World Championships after the first day.
