07.08.2009

Aussies hit the headlines in Cologne

The Australian team - and Sean Wroe's new hairstyle - have hit the headlines in Cologne as our athletes continue their preparations for the world championships in Berlin in eight days' time. 

Wroe, who will contest the 400m and 4x400m relay in Berlin, said the hairstyle, fashioned by a room-mate, was growing on him.

"At first I thought 'oh no', but now I think it's a great hairstyle. I think I'll keep it," he laughed.

Athletics Australia High Performance Manager Eric Hollingsworth said while the city was offering up a good cultural experience, training conditions in Cologne were ideal.

"I've tried the local beer and it's not bad but most important are the conditions that we have to train in," Hollingsworth told express.de.

Reigning Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker joked with local media, backing himself to take out the world pole vault title on August 22.

"If anyone asks me who will win, I say 'I will'," he joked.

"But this is a serious competition and I might have to jump six metres to do it."

Teammate and 800m runner Madeleine Pape said she was right at home in Cologne.

"I love this city, I was here last year and you can experience so much outside of training. Cologne is now my second home," Pape said.

Dr. Wolfgang Ritzdorf of the local sports university, said he was proud the Australians had chosen Cologne as their base in the countdown to Berlin.

"Of course we are glad," he said.

"The world championships in Berlin will be a grand event and the first race days are already sold out."

See video footage of the Australian team in action in Cologne here.