LONDON OLYMPICS: 25 ATHLETES TO WATCH - Germany is sending its smallest delegation to London this year since reunification in 1990 with only 391 athletes. With a total of 851 medals since it made its debut in the 1896 Athens Olympics, Germany is ranked third behind the United States and the Soviet Union for number of medals garnered. Though Germany only qualified for one team sport this year, field hockey, it is unpredictably hoping to garner gold performances from equestrian and canoeing.Here are the five top athletes to watch from Germany:
Alexander Grimm; Canoe
After clinching the gold for the K-1 event in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Grimm is back to defend his title. He has not only excelled in the Olympics but is also a three-time World Champion and five-time European Championship medal holder. With very little experience in whitewater extreme racing, Grimm won the Adidas Sickline whitewater race in 2009. This 25 year-old is returning to London to improve upon his 171.7 second run that garnered him the gold four years ago.
Max Hoff; Canoe
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Max Hoff was new to canoe sprinting but despite that he still placed fifth overall. Since then he has further harnessed his skills and claimed back-to-back wins at the ICF Canoe Sprint Championships in 2009 and 2010. Based on these recent championships, Hoff seems to be peaking at the right moment and his performance is a must-see at the Games this year.
David Storl; Track and field
Even if David Storl is only turning 22 this July, he has already dominated shot put and is already considered as one of the best shot putters in the world. Storl is entering the Games with a gold at the 2011 World Championships and a silver in 2012. Considered to be the best in the world by All-Athletics, this 6'6" 245 pound German may not have the experience entering London but he makes up for it in sheer talent.
Equestrian Team
Germany has had a strong medal history when it comes to equestrian and this year is no different. The country has always excelled in breeding sports horses and developing skilled riders. German riders are particularly strong in dressage. The 2008 Beijing Olympics was dominated by German show jumpers and they garnered a majority of team and individual medals in eventing. However, Matthias Rath and superstar horse Totilas will miss the Games since Rath suffered from glandular fever during the Olympic selection trial event. Watch for Hinrich Romeike, this veteran is looking to defend his two gold medals from four years ago.
Betty Heidler; Track and field
Despite this three-time Olympian's disappointing showing in Beijing in 2008, garnering only ninth place, Heidler has redeemed herself with solid performances in recent events. In the 2011 World Championship she won second place and in the 2010 European Championships she won first place. She is a favorite for London as is the current world record holder for the hammer throw.
More from Kathrine:
Five Spanish Athletes to Watch at the London 2012 Olympics
London Olympics 2012: Five Badminton Players to Watch
2012 Summer Olympics Rowing: A Look at the Top Favorites
Kathrine grew up watching the Olympics and has since been an avid viewer. She is excited to watch Michael Phelps swim again and is hoping that the Philippines will clinch its first gold medal this year. She is a sucker for an Olympic underdog story.
0 comments:
Post a Comment