Sandrina Sprengel Eyes Success at World Indoor Championships

Torun, Poland – Rising German track and field star Sandrina Sprengel is set to compete at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, marking her debut on the global indoor stage. The 22-year-traditional, who recently began competing for VfB Stuttgart, is coming off a breakout performance at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where she finished fifth in the heptathlon – the youngest competitor in the field. Sprengel spoke with reporters about her expectations for the competition and her long-term goals.

Sprengel emphasized a relaxed approach heading into the championships. “I aim for to have fun,” she said. “It’s my first World Indoor Championships, a huge stage. I haven’t put too much pressure on myself. I just hope to deliver the performance I’ve been building towards in training. In Tokyo, at the outdoor World Championships, it became clear that when I start with enjoyment, that’s when I perform best.”

From Local Talent to International Contender

Sprengel’s rapid ascent in the world of heptathlon has been remarkable. Reflecting on her journey, she admitted that achieving this level of success wasn’t always a certainty. “A few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that my life would unfold this way, and that the disciplines would head so well that I could finish fifth at a World Championship at 21 years old,” she stated. “It shows that we’re on the right path and that there’s even more potential for the coming years. That motivates me for the future.”

The athlete has shown significant improvement since the 2025 World Championships. Sprengel identified the spear throw and shot put as areas where she’s made the most progress. “I suppose I’ve made big strides in the javelin and shot put compared to previous years,” she explained. “I’ve also developed a lot in the long jump and hope to bring that form to competitions in 2026. That would be really satisfying.”

Preparing for Torun

Sprengel’s performance at the German Indoor Championships in Frankfurt in 2025, where she scored 4455 points, provides a benchmark for her potential in Torun. Whether she can surpass that mark on the international stage remains to be seen. She acknowledged a recent setback, stating, “I hope to get back to that level. It would be great to achieve a personal best in Torun. I haven’t been fully fit in the hall yet, as I had the flu in January. So, I’ll just see what’s possible this weekend. I hope, in any case, that I can be satisfied with my performance.”

Balancing her athletic career with her studies to grow a police officer presents a unique challenge, but Sprengel sees a synergy between the two. “I’m doing a dual study program with the state police,” she explained. “Of course, being a police officer isn’t like in the movies, where I’m constantly chasing criminals. But it’s definitely an advantage to be fast and athletic. However, I don’t need to be a heptathlete to be a good police officer.”

Mental Fortitude and Team Support

The mental aspect of athletics is crucial, especially when dealing with injuries. Sprengel recognizes the importance of a strong mindset. “Injuries are always tough on the mind,” she said. “You have to be mentally fit and stick to your rehab. It’s important to recognize that it will pass and that you can return to your old level of performance, and even improve. There are mental coaches you can turn to. Currently, I’m not seeing a mental trainer, as I would say I’m relatively mentally fit at the moment. But mental preparation is definitely part of it.”

In November, Sprengel officially joined VfB Stuttgart, though her training routine remains largely unchanged. “My training routine hasn’t changed much since November, due to the fact that I’ve been training at the Olympic Training Center in Stuttgart with coach Florian Bauder for seven years,” she explained. “The only thing that’s changed is the crest on my chest.”

Roots Remain Strong

Despite representing VfB Stuttgart, Sprengel maintains a strong connection to her hometown of Grosselfingen and the Zollernalbkreis region. “My heart will always be there, even though I would now say I’m a Stuttgarter,” she said. “My parents live in Grosselfingen, and I always enjoy going home to visit them and see our dog. My heart is still at home.”

Looking Ahead: Los Angeles 2028

Sprengel’s ambitions extend beyond the immediate competition in Torun. She has her sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “Like every athlete, I dream of the Olympic Games,” she said. “We’re working hard towards L.A. 2028. I hope to be there. I want to continue to develop both athletically and personally. I want to improve my personal best year after year.”

Sandrina Sprengel’s journey is one of dedication, talent, and a positive attitude. As she prepares for the World Indoor Championships, she embodies the spirit of a rising star ready to make her mark on the international stage.

The World Indoor Championships in Torun will provide a crucial test for Sprengel as she continues her pursuit of excellence. Fans can follow her progress and the results of the competition on the World Athletics website.