“That is very disappointing”
World Athletics World Cup: Drama about German discus launchers
13.09.2025 – 8:43 a.m.Reading time: 1 min.
The German discus throws actually wanted to fight for medals. However, two of them did not even reach the final. The frustration is great.
The start of the Athletics World Cup in Tokyo did not go as desired for the German team. Two medal hopes had to delete the sails early on: Discus launchers Kristin Pudenz and Marike Steinacker failed on Saturday, even though they had previously been traded high. Only Shanice Craft moved into the final.
With 63.51 meters, the 31-year-old from Halle/Saale reached the field of the best twelve throwers who fight for the medals on Sunday (12.10 p.m. CEST). Pudenz, Olympic second of Tokyo 2021, came after a valid attempt over 62.02 meters and two invalid throws in 13th place. German champion Marike Steinacker missed the move in even more clearly. The Olympic fourth of Paris 2024 got stuck at 57.43 meters and 30th place.
“I am very, very disappointed,” said Steinacker, who is now worried about whether her sponsors will continue to support you. According to the 33-year-old, she had hoped for precious metal according to her achievements at Olympics. “In training I already had the feeling that even more is going. This is my whole life straight and then you encounter the moment when it matters. It’s very disappointing.”
Top favorite Valarie Allman from the USA meanwhile qualified confidently with 66.07 meters. The two-time Olympic champion wants to win her missing World Cup title in Tokyo. After Bronze 2022 in Eugene and silver in Budapest 2023, it should be the gold medal this time.