Ruppert wins European steeplechase gold, Bebendorf takes bronze

Frederik Ruppert claimed his first European Championship title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, crossing the finish line in Birmingham with a winning time of 8:25.33. The 29-year-old's victory is the most significant achievement of his career.

Germany secured a remarkable one-two finish as Karl Bebendorf surged to a bronze medal, clocking 8:26.65. Ruben Querinjean of Luxembourg took silver. Ruppert's gold is the first for a German athlete in this event since Damian Kallabis in 1998.

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A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. We aimed for exactly this scenario.

Ruppert celebrated his win with a "pacifier gesture," dedicating his performance to his unborn child. "A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. We aimed for exactly this scenario," Ruppert told ARD, explaining that his upcoming fatherhood provided him with immense strength this year.

While Ruppert led from start to finish, Bebendorf's strong finish secured his podium spot. This mirrors the 2022 European Championships where Bebendorf also won bronze, and Ruppert finished fourth. Ruppert had a standout season, breaking the European record in May with a time of 7:57.80 and also running the 5,000 meters in under 13 minutes. He also won the German championship title in late July.

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I will be a father in January and that gave me extreme strength and power this year.