Legendary German high jumper making Linz comeback
In 1999, Thomas-Michael Zacharias shocked the masters world by announcing his retirement from the high jump wars — only two years after clearing 2 meters (6-6 3/4) at age 50. He cited “mental stress” and wrote in an open letter to his German friends: “I am glowing only for a short period and then the fire is out.” Well, something got him burning again. The master is back!
Zacharias, now in his late 50s, is entered in the Linz world masters indoor championships next month. And last September he tested the waters at Pfungstadt, leaping a neat 1.73m (5-8) — only a centimeter less than the German national record for the M55 age group. So reports Robert Koop of Annette’s Seite.
“I must say I’m very surprised I saw nothing about his ‘new career earlier,” Robert writes. “He wasn’t listed in the German Rankings in 2004, 2003 etc.”
Nice to see U back, champ.
