Overview

• Bebendorf clocked 8:32.90 to win the 3000 m steeplechase at the German Championships in Dresden, claiming his sixth national crown
• Despite stumbling at the final water jump, he held off German record holder Frederik Ruppert by nearly a second in front of more than 10,000 spectators
• In an emotional ARD Sportschau interview immediately after the race, the 29-year-old revealed that his mother is in the final stages of terminal cancer and dedicated the victory to her
• He prepared for the championships in a multi-week training camp in St. Moritz, during which his mother was alone and largely unaware of his performance due to heavy pain medication
• With the national title secured, Bebendorf now turns to international competition, aiming to prepare for the World Championships in Tokyo while supporting his family