Sophie Krauel
(Foto: Gantenberg)
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[15.03.2005] A major German athletics event is coming up next summer. In the
course of the European Athletics U23 Championships, that takes place in Erfurt between July 14th and
July 17th, 1200 athletes and 400 officials from 43 nations are expected to participate. "We will experience European top class at
this event" says DLV Event Manager Siegfried Schonert and adds: "For some athletes the European Athletics
U23 Championship is just a stopover on their way to the World Championships in Helsinki."
This thesis is proved right if you look at the names of the 2003 medalists in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Not less than
three future Olympic Champions, high jumper Yelena Slesarenko, pole vault world record holder
Yelena Isinbayeva (both Russian) as well as all-rounder Carolina Klüft from Sweden,
won medals in Bydgoszcz. That is why Siegfried Schonert is certain that "Erfurt will experience eventful athletics days".
The city of Erfurt contributed 100,000 € out of a 600,000 € over-all budget and expects a positive
impulse from the games. "Many people still do not know where exactly Erfurt is located" says mayor
Manfred Ruge "but we expect a significant change on that after the European Athletics U23
Championships. We are glad that we got this event." The planning already started back in 1997.
Now the final stage is reached.
The fact that all disciplines of the Olympic Games are represented (except for marathon and 50 km Walking) brings
out the big dimension of the event. 1,000 bedrooms and 1,800 beds were booked in twelve hotels in
order to accommodate the athletes and officials. You can visit the official homepage at
www.erfurt2005.org.
On Schedule
The preparations are ongoing and on schedule. "We are making progress according to schedule", says
Ralf Hafermann, President of the Athletic Federation of Thuringia. The interior of the Steigerwald
stadium has been renovated and as soon as the temperature reaches an adequate level the last layer
will be coated on the track. "It is assumed that everything will be finished in time" promise both,
Mayor Manfred Ruge and Ralf Hafermann. "We will make sure that the spectators will experience great
competitions."
The German team wishes to contribute to that. "We belong to the leading nations of the world in this
field for years…" says Dietmar Chounard, DLV national coach U20/ U23, "… and we will do our best to
continue this series in Erfurt." The "DLV juniors gala" in Mannheim (June 18-19) and the German
Championships in Bochum-Wattenscheid are the last important steps for the German athletes on their
way to Thuringia.
Sophie Krauel is one of them. The athlete from Jena could be one of the local matadors participating in
the European Athletics U23 Championships. After two operations on the shin she still hopes to be able
to participate but does not want to pressurize herself on the other hand. "Right now it is difficult
for me to define objectives. The next weeks will show me where the path is leading", explains the long
jump Junior Vice World Champion who is still under physiotherapeutic treatment. Krauel will only start
in Erfurt if she is in top form.
Low priced tickets
Dietmar Chounard supports this decision. "A long-term progression is more important than a short-term success. Sophie is also part
of our plans for the Olympic Games in Peking 2008 and the World Championship 2009 in Berlin.
Whether Sophie Krauel will participate or not, the championships are in the focus of the media for sure.
The two final days will be definitely broadcasted by television. Currently the negotiations with the television
station MDR are ongoing in order to agree on the details.
The Athletics Federation of Thuringia already offers tickets for the fans. A one day ticket costs only
4 € and a four-day-ticket is offered for 12 €, the use of public transport is included.(ps/tp)
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