Kick-off in Jesolo

“Rolling Tom” starts his anniversary season

Racing wheelchair racer Thomas Geierspichler starts his new season in Jesolo on Saturday. He wants to gain his first experience in the Italian vacation region. There has been a big change in the 47-year-old compared to last season.

Five-time world champion, twelve-time European champion and world record holder in the marathon: wheelchair racer Thomas Geierspichler has already achieved a great deal in his long career. Where others might already be thinking about retiring, he is once again venturing into completely new territory. Last year, "Rolling Tom" switched from the long distance to the sprint distance of 100 and 400 meters. "Sometimes I ask myself whether I'm stupid and why I'm doing this to myself," laughs the Anifer.

The fire is still burning
But there is no sign of stopping in his 25th anniversary season, which starts on Saturday in Jesolo. "I still feel too fit!" And what does he think when he hears how long he has been loyal to the sport? "You just think about it for a moment. It's amazing and cool that the fire is still burning. I've witnessed so many changes."

One of the most difficult is probably the most recent: the switch from long distances to short distances. "It's like skiing. When a downhill skier becomes a slalom skier, it takes time. You have to give your body time," says Geierspichler patiently. Even the wheelchair is no longer the same as before. He has to have it readjusted and reshaped time and again. Then he tries it out and comes up with a few improvements again.

Before the start of the season, he knows that he won't be able to produce good results and performances at the beginning. "I haven't got my seven things together yet. It's a long-term process and I want to face up to that." Ideally, he will be in top form by the Paralympics in Paris in the summer. But the world will continue to turn. "Then just in Los Angeles," the ambitious man from Salzburg sends a challenge to the competition.