Competitive sports: contestants confront opposing winds during their races
The North Thuringian Athletics Meeting in Sondershausen, Germany, is gearing up for an unforgettable event on August 15th. This annual track and field competition promises a thrilling day of athletic events, including sprints, middle-distance races, jumps, and throws.
Two runners from Bahrain and Turkey who have already run under two minutes will compete in the 800 meters. Lucas Ansah-Peprah, the German 200m champion, and Julian Wagner, the fastest Thuringian, will also be participating.
Gillian Ladwig, Dresden champion, will test her skills in the pole vault, while Alica Schmidt, an 800m runner and influencer, will also be present. The German World Championship relay team will complete its final test in Sondershausen, with Germany aiming to secure a World Championship ticket in the women's hurdles, led by Lisa Mayer.
Athletes from 33 nations, including Botswana and Jamaica, are listed to participate. More international athletes are expected at this meeting than ever before, with many medal winners from the World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games set to attend.
Notable additions to the lineup include Owen Ansah, a 9.99 sprinter, and Gregory Minougué, a German hurdler. However, Ansah's participation may be contingent on an offer from the Gold Meeting in Chorzow.
Michael Huke, the meeting manager and a native of Sondershausen, aims to provide a tailwind for the sprinters by reversing the target direction. Huke, who is also a former German sprint champion, is particularly invested in the meeting, which he considers his pet project.
Children under 14 years of age have free access to the North Thuringian Athletics Meeting. Tickets for the event can be purchased via the Thuringia Ticket Shop and on-site. A stars presentation will take place on the eve of the meeting (6 PM) on the market square in Sondershausen.
For the most accurate and detailed lineup and schedule, it is recommended to check official athletics organizations or event websites close to the date, such as the meeting's official page, the German Athletics Federation (Deutscher Leichtathletik-Verband), or regional sports news outlets closer to August 15, 2025.
Competitive sports events, such as sprints and pole vault, will be featured at the North Thuringian Athletics Meeting. Notable athletes, including Owen Ansah and Alica Schmidt, who have competed at the World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games, will attend this sports event.
