In 1983, completely unexpectedly, he became world champion in the 800 meters. Willi Wülbeck is now celebrating his 70th birthday. Fitness still plays a big role for the Oberhausen resident.
On the emotional return to the site of his fabulous World Cup run more than four decades ago, Willi Wülbeck allowed himself a little joke. “I finished to the second and hundredth of a second exactly like I did when I won the World Cup,” said Wülbeck, who turns 70 on Wednesday. “Only the minutes were more, instead of one minute I needed six.”
German record still valid
In the still valid German record time of 1:43.65 minutes, Wülbeck was crowned world champion in the 800 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Helsinki in 1983. With a breathtaking final sprint, he stormed into the hearts of German athletics fans and achieved his greatest success. “It is and remains my sporting life event, the course of my life,” Wüllbeck recalled in an interview with the German Press Agency. “It was a picture-perfect run in terms of tactics and strategy.”
Today he still sometimes gets goosebumps when he watches videos online of the race in the Olympic Stadium, to which he returned last year for the 40th anniversary. The favorites Rob Druppers (Netherlands), Joaquim Cruz (Brazil) and Peter Elliott (Great Britain) clearly lost out in the courageous final sprint from fourth place to first place.
“Fitness better than any pill”
Willi Wülbeck stands in his apartment in Oberhausen
Wülbeck is proud that his German record, one of the oldest national records in German athletics, still stands today. “I often read about other former athletes, I begrudge my successor the record,” said the native of Oberhausen, who has remained loyal to his homeland. “I would also be able to indulge, but first of all it’s an award in my life and the best German time for 41 years. That’s something to be proud of. As far as I’m concerned, it can also reach the 50th year, then I’ll be almost 80. “
At the age of 69, Wülbeck still pays careful attention to sport to drive. Fitness training is important to him, and he also gives three walking plus courses a week – walking with fitness exercises. “Fitness is better for your health than any pill – even if that’s no guarantee,” said Wülbeck, who had this experience himself.
Surgery on the heart
Shortly before his 70th birthday, he had to undergo heart surgery. He had stents put in. No big deal, he’s fine, said the former owner of a sports marketing agency. Genetic factors certainly played a role, but he may have had a lot of stress here and there in his life. As a landlord, he still has a lot on his plate today.
The fact that Wülbeck does not invite people to a big party on his special day is not due to this intervention. He actually wanted to meet up with a few old companions “without any fuss.” “Contacts are important, especially in old age. You have to maintain them and you shouldn’t retreat into loneliness,” said Wülbeck.
