Johannes Vetter, Thomas Röhler, Raymond Hecht, Andreas Hofmann, Boris Henry. These were the five Germans who threw the modern javelin more than 90 meters. Now a sixth was added.
Javelin thrower Max Dehning caused a bang in the Olympic year at the German winter throwing championships in Halle/Saale. The 19-year-old from Leverkusen was only the sixth German to break the sound barrier of 90 meters. Dehning threw 90.20 m in his first competitive attempt of the year and thereby improved the German U23 record set by current national coach Boris Obergföll (then Boris Henry/88.46 m).
“I was sick last week and couldn’t train properly,” said Dehning. “I really wanted to take part in the competition here, but the fact that it turned out so far surprised me too.” In Halle, Dehning met both the Olympic standard and the standard for the European Championships in Rome in June. Dehning increased his own personal best by more than ten meters. His second attempt was also more than decent at 85.45 m.
Dehning also ensures top performances internationally with his throwing. According to the German Athletics Association (DLV), he is now the youngest javelin thrower to ever surpass the magical 90-meter mark. He also replaced Steve Backley (Great Britain, 89.58 m) as the holder of the European U23 best.