Toni Mohr
(Foto: Gantenberg)
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[13.05.2005] This man is able to fight. "Only the strongest reach the top", he tells
and refers to the uncountable runs he has to do on his own in Cottbus. What can't be cured must be endured is
his slogan regarding the pain in the Achilles tendon during his twelve training sessions a week. That drudgery
should be worthwhile. Toni Mohr´s target is to win a medal at the European Athletics U23 Championships
(14th -17th July) in Erfurt.
"I have never done anything else than running", the 21- year-old man remembers his first steps in athletics.
Rainer Kruk discovered his talent during a triage nine years ago. He became his first coach. Even today it is
a well-rehearsed team.
"Actually, I wanted to become a 5.000 meter runner", the man from LC Cottbus reflects. 1.500 meters are a little
shorter and currently the better distance for him. "I am able to transfer my strength into speed", he analyses.
This ability is advantageous for 1.500 meters.
Fifth place at the World Junior Championships
Already in 2002 he had been able to convince. He reached a fifth place at the World Junior Championships in
Kingston (Jamaica). Beyond this, he was the best European athlete on that distance. "It has been my greatest
experience so far", the young athlete who spends his leisure time race cycling and playing billiard remembers.
Even the great managers have already taken notice of the fast middle-distance-runner. Jos Hermens, manager of
the Ethiopian stars Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele, takes charge of the competition affairs of Toni Mohr.
In such a team it is easy not to be shy. "I´ve met Kenenisa Bekele a few times at different meetings and I was
introduced to him", Toni Mohr tells impressed.
Beijing as a long-term target
Last year he ran 3:39,55 minutes, a personal best. This time meant the sixth place in the European U23 ranking.
Of course, the German Athletics Association pins its hopes on Toni Mohr. He is a member of the Top-Team for
Beijing 2008. The dream of the Olympic Games is omnipresent. "Beijing is my motivation for training", he
divulges.
Currently he has to gain on two months without training. "One week after the indoor meeting in Chemnitz nothing
was possible", he tells. The Achilles tendon was hurting painfully. Only a cortisone injection was able to
alleviate the pain", the current German Junior Champion reports. Instead of endurance runs he was forced to do
aqua jogging.
Pain in the Achilles tendon
The search for reasons began. "We visited so many doctors and everybody told us something different. At the
moment it looks like the reason should be a pelvic obliquity", the middle distance runner says. Shoe lifts
should produce relief. Meanwhile he is back in the stadium to prepare for new tasks in the coming season.
"It´s a pity not to take part in the meeting at Cotttbus (5th June). I wanted to start my season at home with a
big bounce", the future police sergeant says. You can hear his disappointment in these words. The big bounce has
to hold off on the "DLV Junior Gala" (18th June) in Mannheim.
The aim is a medal in Erfurt
It has to be very fast in Erfurt. His aim is 3:37.50 minutes. Besides, "I want to win a medal" the ambitious
athlete defines his intentions. Indeed he will start only in case he is physically fit. His family, his friends
and his girlfriend Steffi will be in the stadium. And they will be as much excited as himself. "That is an
additional motivation", Toni Mohr is glad.
"Sure, it would be nice if the European Championships took place abroad. The expectations would be smaller", he
reflects and adds: "Anyway you have to cope with that situation". As mentioned before Toni Mohr is a fighter.
(an/jk)
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