Timo Piontek has won several german and international junior titles, especially in double scull and quad scull. Even then it became clear that the hobby chef has good adaptation abilities and feels particularly comfortable in the team boats. Together with Lars Hartig, he impressively proved this in 2018 as well, winning the overall World Cup title in the double scull.
Last year both rowers had to accept their defeat by the duo Krüger/Naske. But the 27-year-old rowed himself into the quad scull during the competition season and was a permanent member of the team. But after a disappointing 5th place at the World Championships Timo had to give up his place and is now attacking again in the double scull in the Olympic season. At the World Cup I he will start again with Lars Hartig, at the World Cup II he will attack with Stephan Krüger, afterwards the double scull decision for Tokyo 2020 will be made. Timo pays a high price for his dream of the Olympic Games, because he lives together with his wife Sally in Koblenz, but they usually train in Hamburg and Ratzeburg. In addition to the already enormous physical strain, another psychological pressure. Will Timo’s renunciation of home pay off?
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Rarely has the international field of competitors been so strong and close together in the double sculls as this season. For Stephan and TOle, the World Championships is not really smooth, but the big goal, Tokyo 2020, is tangible.
Professional sport means above all renouncement. Timo Piontek, for whom last year was anything but easy, knows that too. At the World Championships in Linz everything goes well for him and the quad – until the final race.
The provisional nomination for the quad scull seats has been made. What do the athletes have to say about it?
In the infamous erg test, athletes have to go beyond their limits. Only those who invest everything have a chance of achieving the ambitious norm. While some athletes impress with personal bests and strong training performances, someone needs to talk to the head coach privately.
Stephan Krüger is one of the best rowers in Germany: World, European champion and three-time Olympic athlete. But he also has to face the tough selection of the double scull. The seat races are an extreme situation for body and mind, which not all athletes are up to.