Olympic champion Frank Wieneke coaches BC Karlsruhe judoka
Karlsruhe. Frank Wieneke is one of the most successful German judokas. The now 62-year-old, among other things, won the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and was second in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, both in the light middleweight category. In addition, he became international or German champion seven times, European champion once and vice-European champion twice. Wieneke was a member of the German national team during his active fighting career from 1979 to 1992. From 2001 to 2008 he was the national coach and coached Ole Bischof to the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing. He is currently the course director of the Cologne Coaching Academy and recently a guest at the Budo Club Karlsruhe (BCK). There he not only conducted a course, but also answered some questions.
One of the most successful German judokas is a visitor to Karlsruhe. How?
Wieneke: I know Dimitrios Margonis, who works as a trainer at BCK. We have met several times in courses and understand each other. He asked me if I wanted to take a course here. I think that’s a great idea and so I’m glad to be here. In a club that, as far as I know, does a great job with young talent. By the way, this is the second time. I was here before in 2018, but I don’t care about it anymore. But I still remember the hall.
You are a successful judoka. How did you get into judo?
Wieneke: My only child. My father said that I should look to go to a sports club somewhere. Then I have some friends who are into judo. And that’s how I joined and started judo. I was eight years old then. That suits me too because I want to do something that I am responsible for. For success and failure. It was martial arts.
In your opinion, what is special about judo?
Wieneke: Judo is the sport that shaped my personality. Because in judo, like other combat sports, the sports equipment is the enemy. And you have to handle it with care – in the spirit of fair play. You learn respect and discipline, all things that should apply everywhere.
They are also extremely successful. In 1984 you became Olympic champion in Los Angeles. Without warning, so to speak, as a relatively blank slate. What has this success done for you?
Wieneke: Yes, that’s right. Nobody in Los Angeles put me on the bill. It was an absolutely overwhelming experience for me as well. Nothing like the first place. Four years ago I won a silver medal in Seoul. It was also a great achievement, but it was about being on top. That’s success for me.
However, this is a claim…
Wieneke: Yes, but you should not be satisfied if you reach the semi-finals of the Olympic Games or other championships and consider that a success because you are guaranteed to get a medal. That’s great, but you can give up a little at this point in the end and be so happy that you don’t see it as a failure. I’m not happy with my second place in Seoul, even though I had a great tournament. And that’s what I always try to convey. Also in my academic work or, as here, at the beginning of the course.
The interview was conducted by Harald LinderFrank Wieneke (above) used to beat almost every opponent. Now the judo Olympic champion works at the coaching academy in Cologne and recently was a guest in Karlsruhe. Photo: Jörg Blecker