German medal hope Streng is disqualified

Felix Streng jogs easily across the finish line in the Stade de France. The gap to gold medalist Sherman Guity from Costa Rica is too big to catch up. The para-sprinter has already secured second place, with an even bigger gap to the Dutchman who is following behind. Shortly after the finish line he stops and looks up at the scoreboard. Then the shock – just a short time after crossing the finish line the German runner is disqualified. Streng throws his hands up in the air – pure bewilderment.

He had previously come out of the heats in this final on Saturday evening with the second fastest time. In addition to the German sprinter, two other competitors were in the running for the gold medal: the Italian Maxcel Amo Manu and the Costa Rican Sherman Guity. But the Italian fell in the heats and did not qualify for the final. Also: Strict against Guity.

The strength athlete, who trains in London, started in the final. He and Guity quickly distance themselves from the competition and pull away. At the same time, however, the sprinter from Costa Rica begins to leave Streng behind. The final runners turn towards the finish line – Streng remains well behind his competitors and quickly crosses the finish line comfortably. A silver medal – not what Streng had hoped for, but at least it's something.

Dream of gold is over – and more

Born in La Paz, Bolivia, without a right foot and part of the lower shinbone, Streng grew up in a small town in Bavaria. He left there to complete his sports high school diploma at Bayer 04 Leverkusen's elite sports boarding school. He won his first Paralympic gold in Rio in 2016.

A new chapter begins for him in 2020. The then 25-year-old moves to London and joins a sprint group led by coach Steve Fudge to take his sporting career to a new level – and with complete success. In Tokyo 2021, he wins the long-awaited gold medal in the 100 meters. He feels comfortable in his training group and can confirm his exceptional performances again and again.

He wanted to win gold again in Paris. He came in second, but thought he had secured silver. But things turned out differently: in the curve, the 29-year-old apparently crossed the inside line of his lane several times. He was disqualified. The decision is final. And with it the missed opportunity for a medal. He would not have been completely satisfied either way.

However, he uses the disappointment as motivation to attack again. He is absolutely competitive and would have easily won silver. “I'm looking forward to the next few years,” says Streng, grateful for the great atmosphere in Paris.