The German Swimming Association has canceled the DM and the DJM is also on shaky legs.
We asked the athletes.
District - It is a major setback for all competitive swimmers in the district.
After hygiene concepts had been drawn up and training started slowly again, there was an alternative date for the end of 2020 for the German championships (DM) and German year-old championships (DJM), which were canceled in the summer. Now the German Swimming Association (DSV) officially canceled the DM - and The implementation of the DJM is also on shaky ground.
The local newspaper asked the young athletes what this means for the further course of their season and competition preparation:
Andreas March
(Born in 2002, multiple German year champion):
“The cancellation of the DM is very disappointing, especially since competitions have been taking place in almost all sports for some time, to the exclusion of the public.
We have been training since May in compliance with the relevant hygiene concepts without real competitions.
Last week there was the review competition for the Bavarian squad athletes, but it felt like a more demanding training session. "
The DM should now be the highlight for him.
The training plan was geared towards this, including a three-week high-altitude training camp.
“I also feel in great shape and would have liked to measure myself against the other German athletes.
Now it's just a matter of ticking off and continuing training.
After all, everyone has to come to terms with the situation somehow. ”According to März, planning is hardly possible at the moment due to the uncertain situation.
“On the part of the SG, another big competition is planned for December.
However, whether this and the DJM will take place or whether I can participate depends on the further development of the pandemic.
The current online course in coordination with the two daily training units works very well.
Nevertheless, I would like to join my US team as soon as possible.
I would still like to swim the DJM because it would be my last possible participation and I would like to at least defend my title. "
Amelie Zachenhuber
(Born in 2004, multiple German year-old champion): “The cancellation is a shame.
We have been training for it for a long time - we have only used the previous competitions as training competitions - and wanted to focus on the DM and DJM this year.
There have also been very few competitions so far and I'm really 'hot' about it.
For the DM I was already registered in the 50, 100 and 200 meter freestyle, as well as the 100 and 200 meter butterfly.
At the DJM, the 50 meter back and butterfly would have been added.
But despite everything, health is simply the most important thing - so that we can continue to do competitive sports in a healthy manner in the future. "
Emma Grichtmair
(Born in 2007, to date qualified for the DJM over 100, 200 and 400 meters freestyle, as well as 100 and 200 meters back): “It was a very big disappointment because it was difficult to train at all in the last few months.
At the moment you can be happy if you can at least train.
Despite everything, I persevered and was able to build on my old days after the break, which is also a small success.
The qualification for the DJM was my big goal, after the guidelines were changed to the top 16 due to Corona, it was more difficult to achieve this anyway. "That could change until the end of the qualification period (November 29th), because everyone swims nationwide every week, says Grichtmair.
“Basically the competitions are already different, the atmosphere without spectators is very funny.
Not so many swimmers are allowed to participate, which shortens the breaks between the individual routes.
That is why you can no longer report everything and you have to concentrate on the main routes that you want to cover. "
Sander Liebig
(Born in 2004, so far qualified for the DJM over 50 and 100 meters chest): “Without the DJM we swimmers will miss the season highlight.
Even if this Corona year was rather difficult, for example due to limited training options, and a personal injury kept me at my performance level for a long time, I am currently fully motivated and very much wish this competition.
I also wanted to fight for participation in the 200 meter chest.
But I could understand the decision - if it comes - of course.
Health always comes first. "
Sophia Geyer
(Born in 2006, so far qualified for the DJM over 50 meter butterfly): “I would be very disappointed if the DJM was canceled.
Berlin was a very special experience for me last year.
I still have the hope that the DJM will take place;
I always trained regularly during the summer holidays.
My best time in Berlin last year was 30.75 seconds, I'm in 24th place in the list of the best, at the competition in Plauen the weekend before last I unfortunately only swum a 31.88.
But my goal is to get into the top 16. ”Geyer misses the competitions.
“But my coach and I still have great hopes that I will qualify for the 200 meters freestyle.
I'm starting next Saturday in Erfurt and I'm hoping for new personal bests there.
Swimming still means a lot to me despite the difficult situation with Corona.
I very much hope that the pools stay open and that I can continue to exercise regularly. "
Aleksandra Scharfe