A magic evening in Munich’s 1972 Olympic stadium has triggered new euphoria for track and field in Germany.
After the German team hit rock bottom at the World Championships in Eugene in July with only two medals, the sport experienced a surprising revival at the 2022 European Championships only a few weeks later.
A series of stunning victories aside from touching stories have caused a wave of attention.
2019 decathlon world champion Niklas Kaul spoke about an atmosphere “louder than at a rock concert” and said: “Track and field is still alive in this country; not many expected that.”
Kaul praised the enthusiastically cheering crowd of over 50,000 that pushed athletes of all countries and regions to new heights throughout the week.
The 24-year-old contributed one of the most surprising comebacks in the sport’s history on Tuesday as he grabbed the continental title in the 10th and last competition in the 1,500m race, crossing the finish line 38 seconds ahead of Swiss Simon Ehammer, the leader after nine events.
After Gina Luckenkemper delivered a similar big surprise by winning the women’s 100m final, there was no holding fans back adding a happy end to a historic day.
“We are flattered by the atmosphere as all athletes from all countries are,” Luckenkemper said. She called the event paramount important for the sport’s future in Germany as “we can attract new talents and prove the sport hasn’t come to its end.”
Reigning European decathlon champion Arthur Abele went through an emotional rollercoaster after the 36-year-old faced a false-start penalty in the 110m hurdle race.
After the decision was canceled by video investigations, the German was allowed to continue and restart in a competition meant to be the farewell after a long career.
His running alone in front of over 25,000 spectators between discus throwing and the pole vault added another unique event to the Championships’ history.
Emotions came to a climax after Andorra runner Nahuel Carabana stopped in the 3,000m steeplechase heats to help injured Danish runner Axel Vang Christensen.
“I wasn’t in the best shape for the race so I thought I might as well do something good and help,” the 22-year-old said after finishing the race amidst thundering cheers as the competition last.
A day before, 33-year-old Richard Ringer provided the first men’s marathon gold for German at the European Championships on Monday.
