Two-time Ironman Hawaii winner Patrick Lange is annoyed about the development of the sport in Germany. “Something has to change! We can’t look at the medal table every four years and see every time that it’s going downhill,” triathlete Lange told the “Frankfurter Rundschau”.
At the Olympic Games in Paris, Germany finished tenth in the medal table with 12 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze medals – it is the worst placing since reunification. “Nobody is tackling the problem – and that also annoys me a little that sport seems to be losing more and more of its social value,” said Lange.
Lange finds development “totally unfortunate”
According to the 37-year-old, the problem begins with physical education classes at school. “It is the subject that seems to be the least important and is often the first to be cancelled. The gymnasium is often dilapidated and lacks equipment. In addition, many clubs have a shortage of volunteers, whose work has sometimes become thankless. More and more swimming pools are being closed.” The joy of exercise is no longer conveyed, explained Lange. “I think this whole development is a real shame.”
Germany could learn something from the USA. “Many top athletes from all over the world train and live there because the college system offers them the best conditions for world-class performances. Germany urgently needs input for change if we want to remain a leading sports nation. You can see that this topic really moves me – and excites me!” said the triathlon star.
