Claudia Pechstein appointed Germany's new speed skating head coach

Five-time Olympic champion Claudia Pechstein is now the head coach for speed skating in Germany, officially taking over the position she had been filling temporarily. The German Ice Skating and Short Track Association (DESG) announced that the 54-year-old fully assumed her duties at the beginning of August. Paweł Abratkiewicz, from Poland, has also been appointed as the new sprint head coach.

The DESG did not disclose the duration of the contracts for the new coaches. Their appointments occur during a significant structural reform within German speed skating, prompted by recent underperformance. DESG President Matthias Große expressed the organization's commitment to returning to the world's top tier, stating, "We want to return to the world elite, and we are now creating not only the structural but also the personnel prerequisites for this." He added that athletes will receive "top-level support" starting August 1.

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We want to return to the world elite, and we are now creating not only the structural but also the personnel prerequisites for this.

The DESG highlighted Pechstein's extensive international experience and deep understanding of the sport. Her qualifications also include a successful completion of a diploma in coaching from the German Olympic Sports Confederation's Trainerakademie. These factors, combined with her background in elite national and international sports, led to her selection for the crucial role of guiding German speed skaters back to international success.

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Our athletes will receive top-level support starting August 1.