History in athletics in Israel after 37 years.
For the first time since 1985, a walking competition was held in Israel today (Thursday), as part of the European Under-18 Championships at the renewed stadium in Givat Ram in Jerusalem.
Already at 7:00 the men jumped to the end for 10 kilometers, when they made 25 laps and tried not to lift both legs together from the ground, so as not to get 3 yellow cards that would disqualify them.
Whoever won first place was the German Frederick Weigel, the son of former athlete Ronald Weigl who crossed the finish line after 44: 01.60 minutes, setting a new championship record.
Weigel celebrates at the end, Photo: Oren Aharoni
"It was a nice race. From the beginning I felt my body was strong and ready to go all the way - so I just went for it."
The winner said at the end.
"My coach here gave me the times for each round, which helped control the pace. It was a very early start, so I went to bed yesterday at 2pm, woke up to eat dinner - then went back to sleep again until 4am."
“My dad is also my coach - right now in the US, it gives me motivation because he was an athlete too, but I have my own way.
I think he will be proud of me now, and will probably stay up late to watch the race.
But the whole team was here to encourage me. "
The German audience in Givat Ram, Photo: Oren Aharoni
As mentioned, this was the first walking competition in Israel, in 37 years, when an international event was held with the participation of athletes from Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
For the women, it took place from the end for 5 kilometers, where the Spaniard Sophia Centercro won with 22: 46.32 minutes.
Women's competition, Photo: Oren Aharoni
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