German runner fumes after girlfriend sent home from Olympics 2024 | Other | Sport
German athlete Jean Paul Bredau has shared his frustations after his girlfriend was reportedly sent home from the Paris Olympics. The runner and his partner Luna Bulmahn believed they should have competed together in the 4×400 mixed relay at the Games.
However, Bulmahn was snubbed by selectors despite insisting that she is Germany’s second-fastest 400-metre runner. It has been reported that the 24-year-old has been sent home from France after bluntly complaining about her axing on Instagram.
She wrote: “Yes, I am the second fastest 400-metre athlete on paper. No, I was not nominated for the mixed relay.”
Alica Schmidt was picked ahead of Bulmahn but the German team struggled in the event, which took place on Saturday. They came seventh, with Great Britain sealing a bronze medal.
Clearly unhappy that his girlfriend was dropped from the team, Bredau reflected afterwards: “Not everything went perfectly beforehand. That’s why I didn’t have the energy.
“A few decisions were made that not everyone approved. The DLV (Germany’s Athletics Association) made it very clear: the fastest four should run. A different decision was made.”
The DLV revealed that Bredau has since apologised for his remarks and was due to continue in Paris. However, the 25-year-old failed to reach the semi-final of the men’s 400m race having finished only third in the heats.
A statement issued by the DLV reminded athletes that good camaraderie is important in team sports. It read: “The line-up was made with a view to a successful mixed relay team. The decision was made unanimously by the DLV coaching team and was explained to the athletes.
“Jean Paul Bredau has apologised and will compete in the individual 400m race. Luna Bulmahn will not be used in the relay in Paris.”
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They concluded: “Relays are a team sport. The athletes and coaches form this team. Success depends on good teamwork and mutual trust among all.”
Schmidt, who replaced Bulmahn in the mixed relay, said: “There were disagreements beforehand. I have to say, we are a team. We should stick together. We should trust what the coaches decide and be mentally ready accordingly.
“Everyone prepares for this for three years. And if you stand here and don’t fully support the relay team – I find that difficult.”
Sam Reardon, Laviai Nielsen, Alex Haydock-Wilson and Amber Anning secured a bronze medal for Team GB and a new national record time of 3:08.01.
