Athletics: Close to tears: Lückenkemper speaks about her tick bite

German sprinter Gina Lückenkemper disclosed after the 100-meter final that she had been dealing with a tick bite on the back of her head. The revelation came with a trembling voice in the stadium's corridors, shortly after she was dethroned as the German 100-meter champion by Jolina Ernst.

“

It was really tough.

Lückenkemper explained that the tick bite occurred just before the Diamond League meeting in Paris on June 28. Following a summer flu, she had to suspend training for two weeks and take antibiotics. The ordeal significantly impacted her, leading to sleep disturbances and balance issues, which hindered her start in races. "It was really tough," said the 29-year-old, who even considered withdrawing from the championships in her home region of Westphalia. "From the heart, no; from the head, yes, at times," she admitted, noting her body was too compromised and her nervous system had taken a hit.

“

From the heart, no; from the head, yes, at times.

Despite the physical challenges, Lückenkemper expressed immense relief at being able to compete and ultimately secure third place in the final with a time of 11.29 seconds. Her primary focus now shifts to the European Championships in Birmingham from August 10 to 16. The German relay team will rely on Lückenkemper and Rebekka Haase, who, despite finishing fourth individually, has been a crucial contributor to Germany's past medal successes at European, World, and Olympic Games. Haase's coach has provided support during Lückenkemper's difficult times.

“

The body was much too attacked. The nervous system took such a hit.

New champion Jolina Ernst, who achieved a personal best of 11.26 seconds in her victory, also expressed surprise at her win, as she was not qualified for the individual competition. The 22-year-old from Wattenscheid acknowledged that the past few weeks had not gone entirely as planned for her either. "I think I am most surprised myself because I didn't expect this," she stated after securing the title.

“

I slept eight hours a night, but I wasn't properly rested afterwards.