German team decided: Lobinger, Ecker and 18yo Holzdeppe

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http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=45701.html

Lobinger, Ecker, and junior Holzdeppe secure Beijing tickets in the Pole Vault – German Championships Day One

Tim Lobinger securing his Olympic spot at the German Championships (Getty Images/Bongarts)
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Nuremberg, Germany - The men’s Pole Vault proved to be the most thrilling competition on day one of the German Championships in Nürnberg. Up to nine athletes were still in with a chance to get one of the three tickets for the Olympic Games. In fine weather conditions Tim Lobinger, Danny Ecker and Raphael Holzdeppe finally qualified for Beijing.

Men’s events

5.75m was the decisive height in the Pole Vault. Six athletes were still in contention at that point: Experienced athletes Ecker, Lobinger, Lars Börgeling and Fabian Schulze as well as youngsters Alexander Straub and Raphael Holzdeppe, who had tied the World junior record recently with 5.80m. It was Lobinger who cleared 5.75m first. A week before he had almost given up hope of qualifying because of a lack of form. But he came back strong just in time.

Ecker was the next one to jump 5.75m at his first attempt. Before he had only jumped 5.50m and then missed 5.70m once. Ecker passed his next two attempts and went for 5.75m instead. The gamble paid off for the bronze medallist from Osaka 2007. Ecker resigned from competition after clearing 5.75m so qualified for Beijing with just three jumps! The background is that he suffers from an Achilles tendon problem in his right foot.

“I am just happy to have qualified for Beijing today,” he said and added: “I have to congratulate the other two. Tim for his great comeback and Raphael for his tremendous breakthrough this year.”

Holzdeppe failed at his first attempt at 5.75m but cleared that height at his second. Since none of the other three jumpers managed to do so the 18-year-old had secured the third Beijing spot.

“I have no words for this – I am overwhelmed,” said Holzdeppe. He and Lobinger both failed to clear 5.80m. Lobinger won the championship because Ecker had given up, Holzdeppe took the bronze.