Lukas Dauser has already completed his wing elements between the parallel bars in series, in quick alternation in the cleanest execution, convinced the judges and the viewer alike.
He has just completed a so-called G-part, which is extremely difficult on the device.
The “Tsolakidis” that has just been exercised, named after its Greek inventor, is such a difficult task.
Unterhaching - The upper arms rest on the bars, from where the Dauser whirls up into the handstand. After the exit, a forward double somersault with half a twist is certain: Lukas Dauser from TSV Unterhaching is German championships, the third gold for the 28-year-old Ebersberger after the victories in the all-around competition and on the ground. More importantly, after another qualifying competition a week later in Munich, the final decision has been made. After his appearance in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Dauser will also be part of the upcoming Olympic Games in the Japanese metropolis of Tokyo.
On his favorite device, the parallel bars, the athlete currently active at the performance center in Halle with Hubert Brylok is one of the extended favorites for precious metals after his bronze medal at the European Championships in Basel.
Dauser and his colleagues in the German squad are currently in the hot preparation phase for the Olympics.
Nevertheless, the model athlete and staff sergeant of the Bundeswehr sports promotion group took time for an interview with Merkur during his last week of regeneration, parallel to seven three-hour training units.
Hello Mr. Dauser. You have confidently completed the qualification for your second Olympic Games in the last few weeks. What does this participation in the Olympics mean to you - especially with a view to Tokyo and Japan, a home of gymnastics?
I'm really looking forward to Tokyo and the fact that the Olympic Games will take place in the actual home of our sport.
My joy goes far beyond the purely sporting aspect.
I also really appreciate the Japanese culture of restraint and politeness.
And of course I also love Japanese cuisine.
I was there for the first time in 2014.
As part of a training camp.
That was perfectly organized by the Japanese in the tried and tested way.
Perfection is a good keyword. This is more in demand in your sport than in any other. You will be doing all the gymnastics in the qualification from July 24th. But your particular focus should be on the bars, right? What do you figure out? Is precious metal tangible?
An Olympic final fight with the best eight athletes worldwide on parallel bars would of course be a great thing.
I do not want to be unkind about winning a medal.
That depends heavily on how well you are on the day.
Everything has to fit.
You saw that in Dortmund at the German championships.
I did all the elements cleanly.
But the finish wasn't perfect.
This deduction of points can decide a lot.
So there is still some fine-tuning to be done?
Correct.
There is still a lot that can be improved on the flight curve in particular.
There are nuances.
How do you rate your prospects and that of the team as a whole?
Of course, special attention is paid to the team competition.
There, after the rather disappointing 12th place at the last world championships, our team definitely wants to reach the final of the eight best teams.
In addition, I would be very satisfied in the all-around individual if I could achieve a place among the TOP 15 gymnasts.
Speaking of squad. This time you are the only “veteran” from Unterhaching at the start. After Marcel Nguyen tragically had to pass due to a serious injury, Felix Remuta narrowly missed qualifying. What are you shouting to the two of them?
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Fitting: Lukas Dauser at the Olympic outfit in Cologne.
© Photo: Dauser
For Marcel, of course, it's the worst possible moment of injury.
We are old companions, went to school together at the Isar sports high school and spent our essential early days as gymnasts in Unterhaching.
I'm especially sorry for him.
Unfortunately, Felix did not go optimally in the qualification.
But he's young and will still get some Olympic chances.
Speaking of Unterhaching. From the humble beginnings of little Lukas Dauser, who lives in Glonn, to Olympia: To whom do you owe your largely self-written success story to a large extent?
First of all, of course, there are my parents, who have carefully accompanied my development. I would also like to thank my fiancée Viktoria, with whom I have been in a relationship for eight years. In terms of sport, of course, the name of Unterhaching's gymnastics father Richard Hörle, who unfortunately recently passed away, should not be missing. My first trainer, who not only taught me the basics of gymnastics, but also sparked my passion for my sport. National trainer Kurt Szilier built me up and supported me for many years. In addition, of course, the TSV team boss Oskar Paulicks as long-term sponsor and supporter in all situations. I am also indebted to my coaches Sebastian Faust and Robert Hirsch during my long stint in Berlin. Just like my current trainer Hubert Brylok in Halle.
Keyword Halle an der Saale. Why did you move there from Berlin last year?
I was looking for a new approach, a new input.
I received it here.
The step was right.
Now the hot, pre-Olympic final phase begins. What is going to happen in fast motion before you drip the magnesium over your hands in Tokyo?
I am now spending another week of home training in Halle.
The Olympic clothing will soon also be in Cologne.
A great and very celebratory event that I'm really looking forward to.
For eight days, it's back to Kienbaum for intensive training.
On July 18, the move into the Olympic Village is due.
And for us, with the qualification from July 24th, the starting signal for hopefully successful games will be given.
We all hope so. There are certainly plenty of thumbs. What is the “private person” Lukas Dauser looking forward to most when he comes back to Japan one day?
Of course, on friends and family.
When it comes to “food”, it also occurs to me that, in addition to Japanese cuisine, I also like to use the wooden spoon myself.
I'm especially looking forward to barbecuing.
I completed a course there.
And after the Olympics, I want to indulge my other hobby as a couch athlete again (laughs).
But until then there will still be plenty of sweat flowing.
Which motto of your own will accompany you to Tokyo?
Be honest with yourself. I always want to keep that.