After announcing the end of his career, two-time shot put world champion David Storl said goodbye at the start of the German indoor championships in Leipzig. The 33-year-old father was a guarantee of titles and medals in German athletics for many years.
“I’m really happy to be able to look from up here and let the athletes do their thing,” said the local hero at the start of the title fights as co-commentator of the women’s shot put competition. “Great as an athlete – just as great as a person, a family man, as a father. You leave us a bit perplexed. We are looking for the new David,” said the German association president Jürgen Kessing.
Storl won his last national title in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in 2022 and had not competed in a competition for 20 months. After a herniated disc in 2021, things became difficult, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist explained.
Ogunleye secures first title
The big favorite, Yemisi Ogunleye, secured the first title. With 19.57 meters, the Mannheimer is currently third in the world rankings this indoor season. The 25-year-old World Cup tenth can also have hopes for the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in two weeks. In Leipzig, 18.91 meters was enough for the spin kick technician to win her first championship title. Ogunleye gave up the last two attempts after she said she felt her knee. Defending champion Sara Gambetta from Halle/Saale ended her career a month ago.
The other competitions in Leipzig will take place this Saturday and Sunday. The shot put had been separated to make it the center of attention. Several hundred spectators watched the competitions with free entry. “That really pushed us all today,” said Ogunleye.
