Olympic Champion Matthias Steiner elected Weightlifter of the Year

Due to an operation of the loin at the end of January, Matthias Steiner could not actively influence the Bundesliga finals as a member of the Club Chemnitzer AC. Yet the spectators celebrated the Olympic champion just as euphorically when he received the recognitions of his election to Best Lifter of 2008 and Best of Europe. Steiner supported his pals behind the stage and gave them tips. In addition, he was patiently handing out autographs and smiled into cameras. Martina Martin asked the 26-year old champion:

Athletik: Congratulations on the further recognitions. What did these mean to you?
Matthias Steiner: Thank you. I find them something really very special. Namely, I am the first German to be elected Lifter of the Year. That did not happen before.

Did you follow the finals with some envy?
Steiner: On the one hand, of course. Naturally, it was a pity that I could not lift with the others for my home club. But the team has progressed wonderfully in itself and now got its due reward for the hard training over the years. And it is good to know that it does not all depend on me.
.
What do team competitions mean to you at all?
Steiner: When you begin weightlifting as a kid, you want to become European and world champion. Logically, international titles have another dimension. But the Bundesliga is a very nice community experience. And it is great fun to fight with and for a team. You need such competitions between championships. And they are also very important for instance in strengthening your nerves.

How far are you engaged again into the training process?
Steiner: After my loin operation, from which I have been recovering optimally so far, I re-started training four weeks ago. Now I am beginning the special workouts with the barbell. The itinerary is ready up to the World Championships in November. Meanwhile, I still have a lot of appointments and public obligations. But now sport has a clear priority.

(by Martina Martin in Athletik)