swim
Historic noble medal: Sarah Köhler from Magdeburg won the first Tokyo medal for the German swimmers. It was the first German Olympic medal in 13 years.
The 1,500-meter runner-up world champion of 2019 won bronze on Wednesday (July 28, 2021) in the Aquatics Center in Tokyo. Köhler only had to admit defeat to US stars Kathy Ledecky (15: 37.34 minutes) and Erica Sullivan (+ 4.07 seconds). In 15: 42.91 minutes, the 27-year-old improved her own German record from 2019 (15: 48.83 minutes) by almost six seconds.
Köhler: “Special Medal”
When Koehler got out of the water, she shed tears of joy. Then the laughter came back. On ZDF she cheered “a special medal” and said: “From 900 meters it really hurt. As for everyone, it’s a fight against the weaker self. I just tried to ignore the pain.” Most recently, Britta Steffen, who was friends with Köhler, won an Olympic medal for the German Swimming Association in Beijing in 2008. “So it’s a special medal for me. I’m happy that I was able to win the first medal for the association,” said Köhler.
Britta Steffen: “As proud as a sister”
Steffen was also happy with her. “I am as proud as an older sister of her younger one. She mastered it fantastically. I am very happy that she has finally taken the spell off the team,” said the 37-year-old: “It’s just a really great achievement. Me I’m very excited. “
First Tokyo win for Ledecky
There was also a special medal for Olympic champion Ledecky. After losing 200 and 400 meters with places five and two, the 24-year-old celebrated her first Olympic victory in Tokyo. Overall, the multiple world record holder collected her sixth Olympic gold.
Köhler meanwhile even runner-up
Köhler, who won gold in the open water relay in addition to individual silver at the 2019 World Championship, was close to the podium throughout the race. After 50 meters she was still in sixth place, until about half time she was in fourth place in a group of three pursued by Ledecky. Ledecky’s pursuers were, besides Köhler, the Italian Simona Quadrella and the Chinese Jianjiahe Wang. Quadrella tried to pull away after 800 meters. Wang had to let go, Koehler was able to move up to third place. At the 950 meter mark, Köhler left Quadrella behind and swam into second place. At 1,350 meters, Köhler was overtaken by Sullivan, but defended bronze until the finish line.
Köhler as sixth in the finals
in the Köhler had finished sixth and admitted after the final: “After the preliminary heat I was super nervous and knew that Simona had a better lead time. At a certain point I noticed that the Chinese would not repeat her performance from the preliminary heat can and I can pass. Then I just took the chance, “she said on ZDF.