40 years ago Willi Wülbeck became the first German world champion over 800 meters in Helsinki. To this day he holds two German records.
A little out of breath, he answers the phone. “I have to walk up a few steps to answer it, I’m a bit out of breath,” Willi Wülbeck apologizes. “Otherwise I’m in good shape, everyday fitness is ok!”
To add a little later: “Well, you’re not getting any younger. I haven’t run for a long time, my hip hurts. That’s why I walk now. And in Helsinki I rode the tram a lot.”
Back to the Olympic Stadium for the anniversary
After 40 years, he has returned to the place of his greatest triumph. Together with his partner Lucia, he spent eight days at the place where the 1952 Summer Olympics took place – and 31 years later the first World Championships in Athletics.
Wülbeck at the site of his greatest success
They should be the biggest highlight of his career for the 68-year-old from Oberhausen, the pictures from back then are still very present for Wülbeck. “On August 9, 1983, everything just fell into place. I knew what my competitors were capable of and had worked out a route for myself. It worked.”
Wülbeck, who was not particularly strong in jumping, deliberately held back in the first round. “I figured I’d let it go and wait for the opportune moment when it presents itself.” And it turned out. “I came third on the home straight and sprinted like hell out of the slipstream past the two runners in front of me. I was 29 and I knew I might not get a chance like that again.”
It was the run of his life that made Willi Wülbeck the first German 800-meter world champion in 1:43.65 minutes. To date, no German middle stretcher has run faster.
“I was just good,” laughs Willi Wülbeck. “No, not much has really changed since then. There was also a synthetic track in Helsinki and we also trained to the limits of our resilience. But of course I’m happy that my record is still there after 40 years stands.” It’s not the only one. Wülbeck, who started for TV Wattenscheid at the time, has held the German record over 1,000 meters in 2:14.53 minutes since 1980, which he set in Oslo in 1980.
In Oberhausen they still exist from time to time – the “Williiiii calls” with which the 800-meter runner was cheered on by the spectators in the 80s in the stadium. Many Oberhauseners still recognize him on the street.
Willi Wülbeck looks at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium
The 68-year-old is looking forward to his 40th World Cup anniversary, August 9 has been planned for a long time. Wülbeck has invited old friends to a barbecue party in the garden.
