Interview with Moritz Cleve

For how long have you been doing athletics? Did you try other kinds of sports before?
I started with track and field when I was 8 years old and I've never done anything else.

Why did you choose the decathlon?
It started with 3 events, then the pentathlon and finally the decathlon.

Which is for you the hardest discipline in a decathlon, which one requires most practice?
Hurdles, pole vault and discus require a lot of effort. Though you also have to do a lot of sprint practice, which is important for quite a lot of disciplines.

Which disciplines are your favorites, which ones would you rather skip?
I like the shot put, because of all the shouting you may do there :) I would actually like to skip the javelin throw.

How much time do you spend practicing a week?
Between 20 and 22 hours.

Do you find it hard to combine decathlon practice with studying and is it easier to do so in the US than in Germany?
I think it's easier here than in Germany to combine both things. There are better possibilities to justify the sport.

Do you think Sebrle's 9026 points will be reached soon, and if yes by whom?
Hmm, I believe you would need someone who has two incredibly good days and who is on a high level anyway. I don't really know who it might be, but it might actually still take a while.

How would you describe the "perfect decathlete"?
Someone who represents decathlon not just on the track but also besides is the perfect decathlete for me. You have to display a certain attitude and behaviour to call yourself a decathlete.

How would you inspire young athletes to start decathlon?
They should watch a decathlon competition e.g. in Götzis or Ratingen, to see what kind of efforts are behind it, and then try it themselves - with some practice.

What is the special thing about the atmosphere between decathletes?
We all know what decathlon means, encourage each other and often stay friends off track also.

Are you happy with your performance at the WC altogether?
Yes and no. I wanted to score 7900 points and didn't quite make it. Though I can be content, as my actual height of the season was 10 weeks earlier.