Olympic champion Frank Wieneke coaches BC Karlsruhe judoka
Karlsruhe. Frank Wieneke is one of the most successful German judoka. The now 62-year-old was, among other things, winner at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and second at 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 national coach and coached Ole Bischof to the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Today he is the course director at the Cologne Coaching Academy and was recently a guest at the Budo Club Karlsruhe (BCK). There he not only held a course, but also answered some questions.
One of the most successful German judoka is a guest in Karlsruhe. How come?
Wieneke: I know Dimitrios Margonis, who works as a trainer at BCK. We have met several times on courses and get along well. He asked me if I would like to do a course here. I thought that was a good idea and so I’m happy to be here. In a club that does very good youth work, as I know. By the way, this is the second time. I was here before in 2018, but I wasn’t really aware of it anymore. But I still remembered the hall.
You were a very successful judoka. How did you get into judo?
Wieneke: I was an only child. My father said that I should look into going to a sports club somewhere. Then I had a few friends who happened to be in judo. And so I joined and started judo. I was eight then. That also suited me because I wanted to do something that only I was responsible for. For success and failure. That was martial arts.
In your opinion, what is special about judo?
Wieneke: Judo was the sport that shaped my personality. Because in judo, as in all other combat sports, the sports equipment is the opponent. And you have to handle this with care – in the spirit of fair play. You learn respect and discipline, all things that should apply everywhere.
They were 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 to you?
Wieneke: Yes, that’s right. Nobody in Los Angeles had me on the bill. It was an absolutely overwhelming experience for me too. There’s nothing like first place. Four years later I won the silver medal in Seoul. That was also a nice success, but it’s about being at the top. That is success for me.
However, these are quite a claim…
Wieneke: Yes, but you shouldn’t be content if you make it to the semi-finals at the Olympic Games or other championships and consider that a success because you are guaranteed a medal. That’s nice, but then you might let up a little in this point in the final and just come second out of sheer joy without seeing this as a failure. I wasn’t 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 work at the academy or, as here, at the beginning of the course.
The interview was conducted by Harald LinderFrank Wieneke (above) used to defeat almost all opponents. Today the judo Olympic champion works at the coaching academy in Cologne and was recently a guest in Karlsruhe. Photo: Jörg Blecker
