From the back problem for the gold medal: Tim Axers Triumphaler EM adventure

From the back problem for the gold medal: Tim Axers Triumphaler EM adventure

Tim Axer, a 17-year-old water jumper from SV Neptun Aachen, won a gold medal in the mixed competition at the European Championship in Rzeszow, Poland, with his team-mate Ole Rösler and the other athletes Nina Berger and Emily Steinhagen. This performance is particularly remarkable because Axer had to deal with back problems shortly before the competition. "Twisted, dragging when jumping, I didn't really know, but I definitely had to do without jumping," he said his initial difficulties.

After Axer arrived at the destination, he had to spend several days with stabilization exercises and physiotherapy before he was able to stand on the diving boards again. The mixed team, consisting of athletes from the A and B youth, showed impressive individual jumps as well as synchronous actions from the 1-meter board and 3-meter tower.

unexpected competitive success

In the course of the competition, it turned out that the German team initially left behind the Ukrainian team. Axer, who was preferred for the individual jumps due to its size and weight, impressed the audience and the jurors in his jumps. His highlights were a three and a half times Salto forward, which brought the team up to one point to the leading Ukrainians. In an exciting finale, the synchronized performance of Lederer/Rösler provided a fine jump for the crucial point, which secured first place with 349.20 points.

"We had already calculated something beforehand and hoped for a medal," said Axer. The competition was shaped by mixed feelings for him because he could not reach the podium in other disciplines in which he also participated. In the pre-fight with the 3-meter board, he landed fourth and only took sixth place in the final. Even when jumping tower, the result was disappointing with a twelfth place, which was due to his back problems.

goals and future prospects

Axer, who has been jumping for SV Neptune Aachen for seven years, has planned to continue the challenge in water jumping even after his sporting career. He is born in Erftstadt and started sport in Cologne before moving to Aachen, where better training conditions were offered. With the upcoming change to the senior sector and the approaching 18th birthday, Axer looks at the future challenges. "I'm really looking forward to the youth world championship. After Montreal, such a great location," he said with anticipation.

For next November Axer plans to present his new jumping series at the Ulla Klinger Cup in Aachen. He has already qualified for the Youth World Championships in Rio de Janeiro and would like to shine with his new, more difficult jumps in these competitions. "But I only show the new jumps when they are right," said Axer.

axer has already set itself ambitious goals. Last but not least, he dreams of participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. "It will be a big challenge because I jump not only the board but also the tower. In front of the tower I have a lot of respect after some injuries," he confessed. His sporting commitment besides his studies should help him realize his big dream.

The way to the Olympic Games

Tim Axer's services and his courage to continue fighting despite health setbacks are inspiring. For young athletes, he becomes a model on how to deal with adversity and still pursue his sporting goals. The next few months will be crucial for his development and future competitions. Axer's journey in the world of jumping in water remains exciting, and one day his efforts could lead him to the great Olympic stage.

challenges in water jumping

jumping is one of the most demanding sports that require technical precision, physical fitness and mental strength. Athletes like Tim Axer not only have to face physical challenges, but also psychological. The fear of injuries is omnipresent, especially after experiences like Axer. Often, despite physical complaints, jumpers have to continue to train and take part in competitions, which creates additional pressure.

The training includes numerous elements, from strength and flexibility training to specific jumping techniques. As a rule, the training is divided into phases in order to optimally prepare the athletes for competitions and at the same time avoid injuries. In many cities, including Aachen, sports associations have created particularly well -equipped training opportunities to offer the athletes ideal conditions.

economic support and sponsorship

The financial support of young athletes is essential to offer them the necessary training resources and competition options. Sponsoring often comes from sports associations, local companies and large sports brands that are committed to promoting young talents. SV Neptun Aachen has received support, for example, through partnerships with regional sponsors and support programs from the German Olympic Sports Association (DOSB).

Another important aspect is the travel expenses that can quickly increase in international competitions. Here, a combination of public and private financing is often necessary to bring talents like Axer onto the international stage. This support helps to concentrate athletes on their performance without also having to worry about financial burdens.

competition statistics and success of the German water jumpers

Germany has a long and successful tradition in water jumping. In the last Olympic Games in 2021, the German water jumpers showed remarkable achievements, especially in the mixed synchronized competition, where the team won a silver medal. Statistics show that Germany has had constant medals in international competitions over the years, which underlines the high quality of training and sporting development in the youth area.

These successes are not only important for the athletes, but also contribute to the popularity of sport in Germany. Young athletes like Tim Axer benefit from this positive response because they receive greater visibility and thus more support.