Wellbrock: "As a world champion I have high goals"

After the EM and World Cup gold, Florian Wellbrock would have traveled to Tokyo as a medal candidate. After the relocation, Germany's best swimmer is now looking hopefully towards the 2021 Summer Games. One concern "is minimal" is present.

Magdeburg (AP) - The Olympic dream of swimming world champion Florian Wellbrock has been postponed. After double gold at the World Cup a year ago, the 22-year-old is the great hope of German swimmers for the summer games in Tokyo a year from now.

The athlete starting for SC Magdeburg does not currently fear another postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Somehow the concern is minimal. But at the moment I'm actually quite relaxed because everything is loosening up again step by step. I think that the organizers are already thinking about ways and strategies how to carry out such an event anyway" said Wellbrock. In an interview with the German Press Agency, the native of Bremen talks about his Tokyo plans and what is important "on day X".

Question: The biggest competition in Tokyo was postponed for a year. Can you already say something about the goals and routes for the Olympic Games in twelve months?

Answer: Of course I have set my goals. I will probably start over the 800 meters, 1500 meters in the pool and over 10 kilometers in the open water and then we have to see what happens. I have the specific goals in mind and that's where they stay for the time being (laughs).

Question: Why don't you want to talk about the specific goals?

Answer: I put the greatest pressure on myself anyway. Of course, as world champion I have high goals, but on day X it's not just about me, but also about the competition and my form on the day. The most important thing is that I get through to the games in good health - especially in times like these.

Question: How big is your concern that because of the coronavirus there will be nothing next year with the Olympic Games?

Answer: The concern is minimal somehow. But at the moment I'm actually quite relaxed because everything is loosening up again step by step. I think that the organizers are already thinking about ways and strategies how to hold such an event anyway. I rely on those who are in charge.

ABOUT THE PERSON: Florian Wellbrock (22) is currently the most successful German swimmer. At the World Cup last summer a year ago, he achieved a unique coup with gold in open water and in the pool. With the Olympic Games postponed by a year, he is the great hope for the first Olympic pool medal for German swimmers since 2008.

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