Trouble in German mixed season has consequences
Luna Bulmahn's controversial statements have not helped her chances of competing in the German 4x400m mixed relay team at the Olympics. The boyfriend of the sprinter has apologized and been given another chance to run.
400m runner Luna Bulmahn will not be competing at the Olympics in Paris after the controversy surrounding the German mixed relay team. The German Athletics Association has announced that starting runner Jean Paul Bredau will compete in the 400m individual event today, after apologizing.
The mixed relay team failed to qualify for the final on Friday, finishing seventh in the heats. Bredau did not perform as expected and later stated that it was not due to his form, but decisions made beforehand. Bulmahn, who is in a relationship with Bredau, was not part of the team. Instead, Alica Schmidt, Manuel Sanders, and Eileen Demes ran.
Bulmahn had posted on Instagram that she was the second fastest German 400m athlete on paper. She stated that not being nominated for the mixed relay was not her decision and was out of her hands. Schmidt is a regular member of the team and contributed to the Olympic qualification for Paris.
DLV: Unanimous Decision
According to the German Athletics Association, the decision on the team composition was made unanimously by the coaching team, including the coach of Schmidt, Bulmahn, and Bredau. The decision was explained to the athletes.
DLV's sports director, Jörg Bügner, stated in the announcement that relay races are team sports. "The athletes and coaches form this team. Success depends on good teamwork and mutual trust from everyone," said Bügner.
The heats for the 4x400m relay will take place on Friday, but Bulmahn, who was supposed to arrive on Monday, will not be participating. It is still unclear who will run alongside the fixed team members Schmidt, Demes, and Skadi Schier.
Despite the controversy and Luna Bulmahn's criticism, she won't be participating in the 4x400m mixed relay due to the team's decision. Bredau's apology hasn't changed the German Athletics Association's stance, and he will compete in the individual 400m event instead.
Following the team's disappointing performance in the heats, there appears to be some trouble within the German 4x400m mixed relay team, affecting Bulmahn's chances of competing.
