Olympic drama: Frenzel collapses after a Corona break in the freezing cold - he only finds out about the medal later

Created: 02/17/2022, 15:13

By: Christoph Klaucke

The Nordic Combined relay wins silver at the Olympics.

Eric Frenzel initially didn't notice the medal in his first race after Corona.

Zhangjiakou - Concerned about Eric Frenzel!

Germany's flagship runner collapsed completely exhausted at the finish line after his race in the Nordic combined Olympic relay.

Frenzel was only released from quarantine on Monday due to a corona infection at the Winter Olympics and started again on Thursday in the team relay at Zhangjiakou.

As the third runner, the 33-year-old could not keep up with the pace at the front after his illness and had to let it drop.

At first, Frenzel didn't even notice his colleague and Olympic champion Vinzenz Geiger, who secured silver in the final sprint.

Olympic madness: Eric Frenzel collapses at the finish - he only finds out about silver in the Nordic combined later

During the Nordic Combined race, Eric Frenzel's state of health was the focus of attention.

When the Saxon didn't show up for the award ceremony with his three colleagues, there was serious concern.

But then Frenzel was suddenly able to give the all-clear himself when he appeared completely unexpectedly at the ARD interview.

His fellow campaigners were already ready for questions and were surprised by their buddy.

What followed was pure relief and lots of hugs.

I just found out we took silver.

Eric Frenzel at ARD

When asked about his state of health, whether he was doing well again, Frenzel replied: "Yes, now again.

I'll definitely have to watch Vinz' run again because unfortunately I didn't notice anything.

I just found out that we've won silver," explained Frenzel.

"I'm overjoyed that the three of them eliminated a bit of what I messed up in the end.

It was a tough run, I had to work really hard to finish.

Nevertheless, I am overjoyed right now.”

Olympia: Frenzel misses the award ceremony - silver in the Nordic combined

A happy ending at the Winter Olympics for the combined athletes, where Terence Weber was unable to compete because of Corona.

“I'm arguing a bit with myself. But the boys pulled everything out.

That's why I'm overjoyed that we won silver here," said Frenzel.

"He has had many moments at the Flower ceremony and can already imagine what it was like.

He's happy that he's here now," said Vinzenz Geiger with a wink.

Frenzel should then pick up his medal tomorrow, Friday.

After his first race after a corona infection in the Olympic relay in Nordic combined, Eric Frenzel collapsed into the snow, exhausted.

© Daniel Karmann/dpa

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Olympia: Frenzel “stable again” after corona infection and collapse

National coach Hermann Weinbuch had previously commented on Frenzel's state of health: "Eric has exhausted himself completely.

But now he's doing better.

He fought hard, but didn't have enough seeds in the end."

The German team doctor Stefan Pecher was also able to give the all-clear from a medical point of view after Frenzel's collapse.

“It is mainly hypothermia, the circulation is stable again.

Of course, the strain was a bit high due to the massive initial pace after the long quarantine, but no damage to health is to be expected.

He's doing much better again," said Pecher.

“His lungs are clear, the heart sounds are also pure.

He was able to walk into the dressing room by himself, he changed his clothes.

We'll take care of him for the next few days.

He will certainly come to my practice next week to take laboratory samples.

Then we'll see how he will compete in the next World Cups," said Pecher.

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