Michael Möllenbeck (GER) (© Getty Images)
German throwers showed more than just promising form last weekend. At Wiesbaden’s traditional throwers’ meeting Michael Möllenbeck won the Discus Throw. In a close competition on Saturday (28th May) he threw 66.56 metres with his last effort to take victory.
Riedel defeated
Before the last round five-time World champion Lars Riedel had been leading the event. But at the end he had to be content with third place despite an improvement to 65.82m with his last throw. Riedel still suffers from a back problem. 20-year-old Robert Harting had come forward with a personal best of 66.02 in his last attempt. Then Michael Möllenbeck reacted with 66.56.
“I thought if the young gun can do that then I am able to do so too”, said Möllenbeck. By winning in Wiesbaden the 35-year-old booked the ticket for the European Cup in Florence in June.
“I had thrown more than 65 metres in training already, but it is great to achieve it in competition as well. It would be great to qualify for Helsinki”, said Harting.
Women’s Hammer – Three over 70m
Three women hammer throwers achieved results beyond 70metres in Wiesbaden. Susanne Keil won the event with a personal best of 72.32 metres, which was a bit of a surprise. She qualified for the European Cup as well. “I was able to produce throws that were technically fine,” commented Keil. Betty Heidler was second with 71.78 while Kathrin Klaas took third (70.47).
On the second day of the Wiesbaden meeting Franka Dietzsch won the Discus Throw with 64.50 metres. Lia Yangfeng (China/60.95) was second while Jana Tucholke took third (60.31).
In the men’s Hammer Markus Esser, won the competition on Sunday with 78.52. Holger Klose was second (77.83) while former World champion Karsten Kobs finished third (77.33).
Personal Best for Steffi Nerius
It was Steffi Nerius who produced the best result of the meeting in Zeulenroda on Sunday (29 May). She won the Javelin Throw with a personal best of 65.84m. Her PB had been from the Olympic final in Athens, where she had won the silver medal with 65.82m. The men’s event was won by Christian Nicolay (83.20m).
Ralf Bartels improved to 21.36m
In a Shot Put meeting at Schloß Engers Ralf Bartels improved his personal best to 21.36 metres on Sunday. It was the first time the 27-year-old broke the 21 metres mark. “Everything was great today for me”, commented Bartels. Detlef Bock did very well as well and took second place with 20.72 while Andy Dittmar was third (20.19).
The women’s event was won by Nadine Kleinert with 19.20m. Astrid Kumbernuss was second (18.36), while Petra Lammert took third place (18.29).
Jörg Wenig for the IAAF
with assistance from Marisa Reich
