Rowing World and European Champion Oliver Zeidler faces a very special competition at the European Championships in Munich. On the regatta course in Oberschleißheim, he also wants to win gold in rowing 50 years after his grandfather Hans-Johann Färber won the Olympics.
"It's the first international competition that I can do on my home track. I'm just looking forward to something taking place here again. I'm looking forward to the competitions at home," said the 26-year-old of the German Press Agency. "Obviously I want to get the best possible result."
Farber had won gold at the 1972 Olympic Games in a coxed four in front of the boat from the GDR. The 75-year-old now hopes not only for his grandson's success. He would like the European Championships from August 11th to 21st in Bavaria's state capital to also have a positive impact on the Oberschleißheim site.
Location Oberschleißheim "needs renewal"
"We all hope that the facility will undergo another major refurbishment. I want to commemorate the post-Olympic legacy of preserving what could be one of the best facilities in the world. It's a shame that the facility is like this for its 50th anniversary to present," said Farber.
Zeidler, who comes to the track in the north of Munich for training almost every day, would also be happy about renewals. "In terms of conditions, it's one of the best competition courses in the world. Unfortunately, the facility is getting on in years. There really needs to be more done than just cosmetic repairs," said the athlete from Schwaig near Erding.
At the European Championships there are 177 decisions to be made in eleven days. Around 4,700 athletes compete in Munich in the nine sports of beach volleyball, canoe racing, climbing, athletics, cycling, rowing, table tennis, triathlon and gymnastics.
