Gesa Felicitas Krause already holds two European titles. As she returns from her maternity break, the steeplechase runner has set a clear goal for herself.
Watching from a distance during her pregnancy has only intensified Gesa Felicitas Krause’s hunger for more medals. At the European Athletics Championships in Rome, where the 31-year-old will compete in her 3000-meter steeplechase heat today at 1:05 PM, she aims to expand her impressive collection. “I definitely don’t want to go home without a medal,” says the two-time titleholder.
Krause feels a strong connection to the championship atmosphere. She has already achieved all her goals for this year: becoming the German indoor champion in the 1500 and 3000 meters and qualifying for the Olympic Games. To ensure she stands on the podium in Rome on Sunday evening at 10:04 PM, Krause has made the journey without her young daughter.
“Gesa becomes a mom, comes back, and becomes the European champion”
“It’s definitely not going to be child’s play,” says the former World Championship bronze medalist, referring to the continental competition. She emphasizes, “I take the competition extremely seriously. Running events in Europe provide the opportunity to be at the forefront.” Meanwhile, her partner and family are taking care of their daughter.
By Tuesday, she will return to high-altitude training, focusing solely on the Olympics. Krause anticipates that very fast times will be required there to rank among the top eight runners.
Traveling to Paris as a European champion with her child is an idea Krause finds appealing. Therefore, she promises to leave no stone unturned at the EM. “Gesa becomes a mom, comes back, and becomes the European champion – that sounds great, and I would love to hear that,” says Krause.
