Speed skating: Pechstein races to gold and Olympic norm: Seventh Winter Games almost certain

Claudia Pechstein can plan for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Their participation in the competitions in South Korea is not yet perfect, but this is only a formality after the World Cup victory in Stavanger.

After the milestone on the way to her seventh Olympic participation, Claudia Pechstein drove it into Matthias Große’s arms. Flown through by happiness hormones, the 45-year-old rushed through the Sørmarka Arena in Stavanger at the end of the winter fairy tale that had come true and fell into her partner’s arms with her broadest smile.

The way to Pyeongchang is clear – the five-time Olympic champion can start her Olympic planning after the surprising World Cup victory over 5000 m and the fulfilment of the national norm.

“This is sensational. She has once again shown what she is capable of,”said DESG sports director Robert Bartko to the SID:”She has the experience, the sense of speed and a super physical condition. That was a positive sign for the Olympics.”

Finally, the decision on the nomination of the German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) is made. However, as by far the best German long-distance runner, Pechstein’s appointment to the Olympic squad is merely a matter of form:”It’s quite likely that she’s going to the Winter Olympics,”Bartko explained.

The Berlin woman deserved the praise. Pechstein brought a great race on the ice, in 6:56,60 minutes she outshone the much younger competitors. An eighth place would have been enough to meet the standards on the longest individual distance for women. She easily surpassed the target.

Pechstein, who had already been on the ice at the 1992 games in Albertville and won bronze at the time, outclassed her 23-year-old rival Isabelle Weidemann from Canada (7:00,82) in a direct duel. Subsequently, Ivanie Blondin (Canada/6:57.34) and world champion Martina Sablikova (Czech Republic/6:59.95) did not reach second and third place respectively.

Most recently, Pechstein had won a World Cup in Seoul in November 2014. In total it was her 33rd place in the World Cup. Triumph and the 113. Podium finish. The Winter Games in South Korea will take place between the 9th and 9th week. and 25. On the fringes of the competitions, Pechstein would celebrate her 46th birthday. Birthday (22. February) will be celebrated.

Compliance with the national standard is a decisive criterion for the right to compete at the Olympic Games, but it is not the same as qualification. The starting positions – more than 5000 m of the women’s teams are to be assigned twelve – will be distributed by the ISU World Association via a points and time ranking to the national associations, which will only be awarded after the fourth World Cup in Salt Lake City/USA (8th place). till 10. December) is final.

Thanks to Pechstein, however, the German Speed Skating Association (DESG) is now certain of a place to start over the time ranking, since the 5000 m was only in Stavanger. The results from the 3000 m runs are also included in the points ranking.