On September 2nd 2007 the big day had finally arrived. With a mixture of pleasant anticipation, respect and nervousness I faced my first participation in the ITU Triathlon World Championships. By touching the starting line at the "Jungfernstieg" in Hamburg, Germany I fulfilled my dream to represent Germany and wear the black, red and gold coloured national dress in a triathlon race.
The sprint distance race (0.75-22-5km) started in the 16° C cold water of the "Binnenalster", where I got an impression of how strong the competitors at a world championship race are. The first screening took place at the turn buoy, where I literally had to fight for the ideal line, some air to breathe and for a spot above the water surface. On the bike part I benefited from my solid bike training of the past month. On the 22km hilly bike course through Germanys 2nd biggest city I was finally able to achieve to ride an average of 40km/h. The race was completed by a 5km run, where I tried to activate my last energy reserves, which carried me to a great 6th place in the age-group 20-24. This achievement results from hard training, but it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family, my friends and Harald, of course.
After this great season-finish I will take a few weeks off to recover and to be able start the preparations for the triathlon season 2008.
