„Only every ten years is such a talent born“ – Germany’s Discus legend Lars Riedel retires

Berlin, Germany – Lars Riedel, one of the greatest German athletes ever and one of the greatest discus throwers of all time, announced his retirement in Berlin today (2).

There will be an official farewell ceremony by the German Federation, the Deutscher Leichtathletik-Verband (DLV) for the Olympic, European and five-time World Champion at next weekend’s national championships in Nuremberg.

“I had hoped to be able to end my career in Beijing at the Olympic Games but this is not possible because of back pains,” Riedel said a few days after celebrating his 41st birthday.

Riedel has for many years suffered from back problems. But in the more recent past his back completely stopped him from competing. He could not throw at all in 2007 and had no competition this year as well. The last time Riedel did compete was on 27th August 2006 in Bad Köstritz, where he finished second with 61.34m.