Para World Championships in Japan

Different conditions, but the same goal

Thomas Geierspichler is currently working hard on the changeover.

(Bild: Chaluk – Nothing Like Austria)

Salzburg wheelchair racers Thomas Geierspichler and Ludwig Malter will be competing at the World Championships in Japan, which begin on Friday. They want to recommend themselves for an Olympic nomination with good performances. However, the requirements are different.

"It's like when a downhill specialist has to race against a slalom specialist!" Racing wheelchair racer Thomas Geierspichler faces a mammoth task at the World Championships in Kobe (Jp). The five-time world champion has plenty of experience, but only over longer distances. These have been canceled, so the Anifer must find his way over 400 and 100 meters. "It's not quite my profession, I first have to really find my feet and adapt to it," says the 48-year-old, knowing that it will take longer than the months he has left to make the switch.

That's why he's already looking ahead to the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028, but before then he's still hoping to compete in Paris. It is currently unclear how many quota places Austria will receive. However, he would recommend himself with a good performance.

Top 15 as a goal
Ludwig Malter, who is competing in a different class over four different distances, also wants to do this. "I'm aiming for at least a top 15 result," says the 23-year-old. This should be possible with his new wheelchair, which is made entirely of carbon. "Even though I'm still getting used to it, I can say that we're on the right track.