German savoring historic eighth Games appearance

BERLIN－The Olympic Games has always had a special meaning in the life of speed skater Claudia Pechstein.

Ever since winning her first Olympic medal, a bronze in 1992, Germany's five-time Olympic champion has adapted her schedule to the Games' cycle.

"I didn't think in days, weeks, or months anymore, I started to think in four-year terms," she said.

By qualifying for Beijing 2022, the 49-year-old is set to become the first woman to compete at eight Olympic Games as she bids to add another successful chapter to her career.

The only other athlete to compete at eight Games is male Japanese ski jumper Noriaki Kasai.

Germany's most-decorated winter Olympian reckons Beijing 2022 can be the "absolute highlight" of her career.

Pechstein has a total of nine Olympic medals in her collection, including two silver and two bronze to go with her five gold, won from 1992 to 2006.

"As soon as I realized I qualified for my eighth Games, I felt like I wanted to hug the entire world," she said, adding that simply being on the start line in Beijing will be "the crowning glory of my career".

Over the years, Pechstein has developed a special fighting spirit after she missed the 2010 Games in Vancouver, Canada, due to a doping ban. Since returning to the ice, she has been on a mission to prove elite sporting achievements are possible at an advanced age.

Although she never failed a drug test and has always denied doping, her blood showed abnormalities when tested, and the International Skating Union ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. The case saw her become the first athlete to be banned over screenings in her biological passport.

"It means everything for me to again be around 30 years after my first start," she said.

Ahead of her 50th birthday on Feb 22, she said the Beijing Games are "the biggest present I could possibly give myself".

Pechstein most likely won't win another medal, but that doesn't seem to bother her much. The German is thrilled to just be part of the Games and is dreaming of carrying the German flag at the opening ceremony.

"In my sport, you have many competitions such as continental events and world championships. One can say many competitions seem alike," Pechstein said. "Therefore, the Olympic Games are something very special."

Reuters