Florian Sperl is the new head of German weightlifting

Florian Sperl is not only a local politician, but also a weightlifter.

Now he has been elected President of the Federal Association.

He has ambitious goals.

Egling

- The online Bundestag of the Federal Association of German Weightlifters lasted seven hours.

In the end, Florian Sperl (32) from Eglingen, also known from the local chairman of the CSU, was president of the federal association.

He was elected unanimously and heads 16 regional associations with a total of 210 clubs for four years.

Volker Ufertinger spoke to him about this.

Mr. Sperl, congratulations on your election.

What does she mean to you?

Sperl

: Of course, I was delighted by the leap of faith and the result motivates me a lot.

In addition, I can count on an excellent young, committed and competent team.

Is there a reason why the association calls itself "German Weightlifting" in English?

Sperl

: In the course of the last few years, the association's public image has been modernized.

From the long name “Federal Association of German Weightlifters” to the English form “German Weightlifting”.

Basically, however, we are two-pronged.

Which club are you a member of?

What are your greatest achievements as an active person?

Sperl

: I've been a member of ESV München Neuaubing since 2004.

Unfortunately, there is no longer enough time for regular training, but I train at home in Neufahrn.

I was Bavarian champion in 2012 and 2013 and have been in the second division for several years with ESV.

For the past four years I have been the Vice President of the Bavarian Weightlifting and Strength Sports Association.

How did you get into weightlifting?

Sperl

: In 2004 I wanted to train in the gym.

I was approached by ESV weightlifting trainers.

They asked if I would like to do a trial session.

Since then I have been doing this sport with great passion.

Do you prefer tearing or pushing?

And what are your top marks?

Sperl

: My best performance was with a body weight of 83 kilos with 117 kilos in snatch and 156 kilos in jerk.

Pushing has always been my better and therefore more dear discipline.

What are the requirements to be successful?

Sperl

: Consistent training and commitment are of course basic requirements.

In order to learn and deepen the complex technique, you also need a good trainer.

Clubs like ESV München Ost or TSV Forstenried are the next clubs.

Would you advise young people to try this sport?

What can you learn from it?

Sperl

: Weightlifting requires complex sequences of movements.

Many athletes from other sports, such as athletics or ball sports, train certain sub-exercises from weightlifting.

Above all, speed and maximum strength are trained.

I can only advise you.

It's fun and the competitions are extremely exciting.

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What are your responsibilities as President?

How complex is the new office?

Sperl

: I represent our sport both nationally and internationally, I maintain contact with leading associations such as the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the world weightlifting association IMF.

We have to contend with a number of challenges such as the international doping problem.

I condemn all types of doping in the strongest possible way and will vehemently advocate clean sport.

Since there are always discussions about taking weightlifting out of the Olympic program, it is my top priority to prevent this.

Last Monday, the IOC published the Olympic program for the Paris Games 2024.

Weightlifting is also represented there again.

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You are also a member of the local council and chairman of the Eglingen CSU.

Do you see parallels between politics and weightlifting?

Sperl

: Just like in politics, you always have to face new challenges and show strength in sport.

Without commitment, you cannot achieve your goals in either area.

I look forward to my term of office.