Discus throwing star Robert Harting has expressed his delight at the awarding of the 2018 European Athletics Championships to his hometown of Berlin, reports focus.de.
The 29-year-old called it a “dream come true,” and assured that “Berlin will be a great host” and “there will be many thrilled spectators who will bring colour and emotions to the championships.”
In fact, Robert Harting’s discus domination began in the same Berlin Olympic Stadium at the IAAF World Championships back in 2009.
Harting was sitting in second place coming into the sixth and last round of the final. He then threw his personal best at the time of 69.43 metres to edge out his biggest career rival, Polish athlete Piotr Malachowski, and ultimately win the gold medal.
Harting has had an illustrious career, winning gold at all major championships including the Helsinki 2012 European Athletics Championships.
The 2012 German Sports Personality of the Year is also known for his exuberant celebrations. After his gold medal performance at the 2013 IAAF World Championships he celebrated by ripping off his shirt in front of the photographers.
Harding expects the 2018 European Athletics Championships in Berlin to have a positive impact in helping better educate children about athletics:
“The sport will be showcased at its best, and could encourage school kids to pick up another sport besides football,” he said.
European Athletics announced the decision to award the 2018 championships to Berlin on Saturday morning in Zurich, Switzerland, which will be the host city for the next European Athletics Championships in 2014.