ATHLETES IN GERMANY
by Victor Ifetayo Aladesanmi, University of Johannesburg.
Running is a dynamic coordinated motion process on foot. It has been the best aid for cardiac control and improvement. Body exercise is a medically proven necessity for mental and body fitness. For ages, running has become competitive with medals and rewards. Its highest hype with global recognition is at the Olympics. Running is in dimensions of either long distance or short distance. The climatic conditions of a geographical location determines which types of running will be prominent among runners there. Athletes in cold temperate regions have slow twitch muscles with more endurances to go longer. They also have higher hemoglobin red blood cells for longer respiratory endurance. While on the other hand, athletes in hot temperate regions have fast twitch muscles which is more bulky and full of power for speed but less endurance.
Germany is a cold temperate region that has produced more long distance runners and world champions than sprint athletes. One of them is Mr Dieter Baumann which I met at the Stadtwerke Slindelfingen Hallenmeeting at Glaspalast Sindelfingen on the 27th January, 2018. He is based in Tübingen, in Baden-Württemberg. He was a 5000m world champion. He is presently a long distance coach and his wife a sprint coach. He has a house of athletes with his sons and daughters all running. One of them is Jackie Baumann, a 200m sprint specialist. I had my first European race and indoor track experience here in Germany in 200m at 16;50 placing third. I also ran a 400m race an hour later at 18;05 placing third again being a sprint athlete. It was a fabulous complete experience for me running in an indoor hall in a slightly bended short curve and straight track path but warm indoor from cold.
For none competitive athletes is the fun run. Morning runs is a regular practice of fun runners in the cold with body all covered up. The sprinters use the indoor sports hall for a warm environment conducive for sprint body mode. Athletics in Germany is beautiful as it has attracted many international athletes in their competitions and sports managers.