Overview

• The 30-year-old Olympic silver medallist returned to the global stage in the 35 km race walk at the World Championships in Tokyo.
• He said the past three years included severe depressive episodes, loss of will to live and suicidal thoughts.
• Psychotherapy begun in January 2024, a move to Leipzig and training under coach Daniel Fleckenstein formed the foundation of his reset.
• He credited his fiancée Anna Fischer, his parents, his sponsor and his employer at the police for sustained support.
• A start secured with help from teammate Christopher Linke at the Team European Championships enabled him to qualify for these championships, and he said he plans to marry in three weeks.