The last years of Felix Streng’s life are a prime example of climbing the career ladder, surpassing oneself that has become reality, and the courage to dare to try new things. And to win with it. At the age of 16 he moved out to the sports boarding school in Leverkusen. One year later U-20 double world champion, two years later European champion, three years later world champion with the relay, four years later Paralympic relay gold, three-time European champion in 2018.
For the third German gold medal in Tokyo and his first Paralympics victory over 100 meters, Streng now sprints in 10.76 seconds. He was only a fraction faster in his run, in which he set a Paralympic record. The world record, however, still belongs to Johannes Floors, who won another German medal in this nerve-wracking final. He shares third place with the Briton Jonnie Peacock, winner of the 2012 and 2016 games. “It was shit awesome, man!” Laughs Floors at the beginning of the interview: “Sharing third place with the champion is easy great feeling. ”
The minutes after crossing the finish line were long. The uncertainty about a podium placement hung in the air, the nervousness could even be felt over the camera images: “That was of course one of the most exciting moments I have ever experienced up to now!” seems more than satisfied with the result. This year he only focused on the 400 meters, which should be “something fast”. Faster than in Dubai, he would like to attack his own world record on Friday and “maybe put me under a bit of pressure”.
Streng left Leverkusen a year ago
Felix Streng was probably under pressure too. In October last year, the sprinter, who was born in Bolivia without a right lower leg and grew up in England and Bavaria, moved from Leverkusen to the Wetzlar sprint team. He not only left the talent factory of the German para-sprint, but moved to London to join an international team. But he was left alone for the first few months: During lockdown, the units took place virtually, Streng filmed himself and analyzed them in the evening in video conferences with his trainer Steve Fudge. “It was a tough year. I am so happy that I have now built that about where I am and that it all came out of my energy. ”
After all the “big decisions” that have accompanied him recently, this gold medal seems like a liberation. The cooperation with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen not only ended positively, Floors speaks of “scorched earth that Felix unfortunately left a little with us”. The two sprinters definitely want to celebrate their successes together. But probably only after the games, “the focus is on getting your legs ready”, because the Paralympics are not over for Floors and Streng and in the end it would just be about winning such a race.
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