Former world champion Niklas Kaul got off to a strong start in the decathlon at the European Championships in Munich. The top favorite from France is already out.
The 24-year-old Kaul ran the 100 meters faster than ever with 11.16 seconds. World record holder and world champion Kevin Mayer, on the other hand, had to give up due to injury, the Frenchman just stalled out with muscle problems. “See you next year”said the big favorite for gold.
Four years ago in Berlin, Mayer missed the title that was believed to be safe because of three invalid attempts in the long jump. The Swiss Simon Ehammer was fastest over the 100 m with 10.56 seconds. Defending champion Arthur Abele, who is contesting his last decathlon in Munich, ran 11.24 seconds. Kai Kazmirek managed 11.15 seconds, Tim Nowak only 11.51 seconds.
Abele’s last competition
These European Championships will be Arthur Abele’s last big performance. At the age of 36, Abele measures himself against the international competition for the last time. And that as the defending champion, because in 2018 Abele sensationally crowned himself European champion in the decathlon. However, he considers another coup to be “unrealistic” after a shoulder operation and without real competition practice. “But I want to be in the top eight again. That’s my goal,” said Abele.