There is no talk of this before the Winter Games, at least on the podiums. On the contrary. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) has announced third place as the goal in the so-called national rankings. Third place, after second place four years ago at the Quarantine Games in Beijing?
That doesn’t sound like a lack of performance. Perhaps, despite the good advice to always look beyond one’s own borders, for example to the neighbors’ alleged success models, it would be wise if the (partially) weak German summer sports also inspected the German winter associations.
Diversity at a high level in the German team
In Italy, the keen sports fan will be able to see the largest German team at winter games on ice and snow. German athletes compete in almost all disciplines. That in itself is a special quality: not to be present across the board, but to offer diversity at a high level. This is not “only” to be expected on the bobsleigh and toboggan run.
Due to doping manipulation and banned substances that are not or only partly undetectable in some countries, the editorial team assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information. Since the statute of limitations for doping offenses only expires after ten years, the sequence of events can change due to positive follow-up tests until February 22, 2036.
A few Alpine athletes have recently made people sit up and take notice, in figure skating the German couple enchants the world on good days, some ski jumpers are ready for big jumps, the Nordic combined athletes are known for their attacks at the last moment, there is also something going on on the snowboard and in ski cross the Germans would return home disappointed if a medal remained out of reach. Even speed skating is making a bit of progress again.
Top athletes get others moving
That doesn’t speak for a well-functioning, unbureaucratic, effective and clean top-class sport. But certainly for the basic willingness of Germans to help young people develop their talent even in places where the spotlight shines more or less only once every four years.
This is particularly valuable as long as there is a robust understanding of the development of sport behind it: the appearance of the best at the Olympic Games still has an inspiring effect. This concentrated load in all its facets from morning to evening continues to delight young and old alike.
They are guided by their interest in their compatriots, their happiness and success, and sometimes heartbreaking dramas. But they are also fascinated by the courage, strength, speed and elegance of others. Like Mikaela Shiffrin skiing, Connor McDavid playing ice hockey, Quentin Fillion Maillet running and shooting, Eileen Gu spinning in ski freestyle or figure skater Ilia Malinin doing four spins in the air.
Anyone who doesn’t see this cannot grasp the greatest value of the Olympic Games: the ability of athletes to get many people moving in just one competition, sometimes in just a few minutes. Some for a lifetime. That’s worth more than third place. And yet, if you need it, it can lead you to second place.
