Germany might not be immediately synonymous with the steeplechase but after Antje Moldner-Schmidt’s victory in Zurich two years ago, the women’s title is likely to remain in German hands for at least another two years.
The reigning champion is missing from the championships on maternity leave but the outstanding favourite for the title is Gesa-Felicitas Krause, who leads the European rankings with 9:22.33.
At 23, Krause has been a mainstay on German teams for major championships since she was a junior but she has bittersweet memories when she reflects back on past performances on the big stage. She was third on her European Athleics Championships debut in Helsinki four years ago but only after the silver medallist was disqualified for a doping violation.
But three years later, Krause took her place on the podium at the World Championships in Beijing where she claimed the bronze medal with a lifetime best of 9:19.25. Krause crossed the final barrier in a line with eventual winner Hyvin Kiyeng and silver medallist Habiba Ghribi but Krause doesn’t have any regrets about the race - despite missing out on the title by a mere 0.16.
“I don’t have any regrets because I’m pretty young and it was my first medal in an international champs so I was really happy and satisfied with the race,” said Krause after easing through to the final in 9:43.81.
“I know it was really close but I’m still young and still have the chance to get a gold somewhere. In the past weeks I have watched the race and that gives me the confidence I’m able to win a race in the end.”
Krause picked up a rare European medal in Beijing last year and her success has come in no small part from bucking the trend. While most of her compatriots train at home, Krause and her coach Wolfgang Heinig - the husband of marathon great Katrin Dorre-Heinig - are both staunch believers in altitude training - and lots of it.
“I do my own schedule with my coach. He really believes in altitude training so we started when I was pretty young,” said Krause.
“My first time in Kenya was back in 2010 and since then, I’m travelling to Iten once a year but in the past two years, we increased that so I’ve been there three times last season and three times this season. I think I can improve a lot by training at altitude.
“I really believe in my coach and his training and that helps me a lot. I don’t think a lot of Germans go my way; it’s different but we’ll see. Maybe it’s an aspect I can show and prove people that altitude training works.”
Krause’s immediate focus is on the final which takes place on the last day of the event but the next edition of the European Athletics Championships which will be held in Berlin are already in the back of her mind.
“That’s definitely a plan to go there and win gold in front of my home fans. It’s a long way but it’s my long-term plan,” she said.
But before that, there is the small matter of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro where she will challenge for another global medal.