Olympia: Oliver Zeidler easily makes it to the quarter-finals

The Schwaiger rowing world champion Oliver Zeidler has qualified for the Olympic quarter-finals in the rowing one.

The next time he has to answer on Monday.

Tokyo / Schwaig - Oliver Zeidler confidently qualified for the Olympic quarter-finals in the rowing one on Friday morning. At 2.27 a.m. CEST, the 24-year-old from Schwaig crossed the finish line. He won his preliminary run and thus saves himself the consolation round that takes place this Saturday. "The race went very well," said Zeidler of the local newspaper. I have resolved to accelerate up to 1000 meters, lie down in front of the field and then control the race. I managed that well. "

The world champion had to be patient, however. Because he started in the last of the six heats. Before him, his probably greatest competitors in the battle for medals had won their races without any problems: The Norwegian Kjetil Borch (set the best time with 6: 54.46 minutes), the Dane Sverri Nielsen, the Greek Stefanos Ntoukos, the Croatian Damir Martin, but also the tall U23 world champion Trevor Jones from Canada, each let the boat run out easily, because second or third place would have been enough.

Then it was Oliver Zeidler's turn.

He immediately took the lead, already after 500 meters he had three and a half seconds ahead, which grew steadily.

After 1500 meters it was already seven seconds, after which Zeidler, who shot through the water at over 17 km / h, spared his strength.

His time: 7:00 a.m., 40 minutes.

The boats from Japan and Egypt crossed the finish line behind him, while the Dutchman Florijn had to finish fourth in the repechage.

For Zeidler - if the schedule is not changed due to the weather or corona - the semi-finals will continue on Monday, July 26th, at 2.40 a.m. (CEST).

The semi-finals will follow two days later (4.15 a.m.). On Friday, July 30th, the final will take place at 2.45 a.m.

That sounds early, and it is, after all, it is only 9.45 a.m. in Tokyo.

The competitions have to rise in the mornings, however, because in the afternoon - a finding from the Junior World Championships - the winds make rowing in Tokyo Bay impossible.

In general, many things are different for the rowers, who are not often out on salt water.

The difference to fresh water.

The boats are a little higher in the water and have less friction.

"The salt water and especially the warmth make the water very fast," said Zeidler.

“I had a headwind and still covered the distance in seven minutes.

That's really pretty good.

Of course, it's nice when the race doesn't last that long. "

He described the conditions on the track as very good.

“The wind is within limits.

It comes from the side, which is not that easy, but it is very easy to row. "The heat is bearable, and there is no problem with the humidity either," reported Zeidler.

“I'm really well acclimatized.” One problem is the strong solar radiation.

“You notice that a lot after being on the water for 40 minutes.

That’s already exhausting. "

He couldn't tell much about Tokyo itself.

“We only see the way from the village to the route.

But I like it here very much.

It's nice to live with the other athletes in the village.

It can go on like this.

The food is good too.

I can not complain."

Dieter Priglmeir