Interview with André Niklaus

For how long have you been active in decathlon? Did you try other kinds of sports before?
I've been doing athletics since 1990, before that I used to be a swimmer. But at one point that became too wet for me. As to the decathlon: you grow into it. At first I used to do running and jumping disciplines, then I became an octathlete and finally a decathlete.

Why did you choose the decathlon and not just pole vault for example?
It's the variety that attracted me to the decathlon. Just one discipline would not have been enough for me. I'm always happy to be able to throw something away or run the hurdles.

Which is for you the hardest discipline in a decathlon and which one requires most practice?
The hardest on is definitely the pole vault, though closely followed by hurdles, discus throw, javelin throw, long jump and high jump. I myself need to practice most for the spring, I'm not that fast yet unfortunately. That's why I need to invest a lot of time there.

Which disciplines do you personally like, which ones do you rather dislike?
Of course, pole vault is my favourite, but the other ones are close. I do have some problems with the running disciplines (400m + 1500m). IT's too boring to practice...

How much time do you spend practicing a week?
I practice 22 hours a week, but physiotherapy and making + having something to eat is not in there yet!!!

Is it very hard to combine decathlon practice with a job or study?
Yes, fortunately I'm a member of the Bundeswehr-Sportfördergruppe, which enables me to put my time totally into practice. I'm actually a part time student, but honestly I don't have a lot of time for that.

Do you think Sebrle's 9026 points will be reached soon, and if yes by whom?
I think both Bryan Clay and Dmitry Karpov are guys who could beat the world record. But unfortunately they sometimes show some weaknesses and blow a good decathlon.

How would you inspire young athletes to start decathlon?
At first I would just draw their attention to the sport. Not everybody can become a decathlete. You need a good sense of movements, coordinative abilities and a basic speed. You can practice much of that in the youth and the one who has got it all in the end still needs the ability to cope with the physical strain. Then he might be able to become a good decathlet, and if not: athletics is very versatile and he'll find something else for sure ;-)

What advice would you give to a young athlete?
They should always be having fun. Today many children or young people want to be successful and famour really early. But something like that has to grow and there will also be rather bad times, but that's what makes you strong!!! Just be patient!!!

How would you describe the "perfect decathlete"?
Fast, strong, tall, and relaxed in the head.
But all that doesn't exist upt to now and history shows that there are many ways of doing it

Do you think the atmospthere between decathletes is different, because you spend more time together during a competition?
Definitely. You spend more time together in a competition. The competitions you take part in are mostly the same. There are not that many possibilities to find a good competition in the world.

Which one is your favourite meeting?
Definitely Götzis and also Ratingen. There are not many other possible meetings offered!

Do you think, you are still going to the World Championships? If yes, what are your chances there?
I believe in it. The next weeks will decide about my performance. I have to practice my resistance and get back into competitions. If all that works out, I might score 8400 to 8500 points.

Who is your favourite for the WC title?
Definitely Roman, then Bryan, the rest is open. There will be many athletes around 8400 and 8500 points.