VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

There was an aura of Olympia dectectable in the air when the kings and queens of track and field entered the running track. The finalists of the 100 m race attracted many spectators and photographers into the NetCologneStadium in Junkersdorf and as the fastest men and women of the Gay Games Cologne passed the finish line, nobody remained seated.  After numerous exciting and partly very tight races, the winners of the different age groups were found, also the two athletes who sprinted fastest on this day.

The French Teddy Franciscot and the Dutch Martje Hoekmeijer not only got through in their age groups but also ran the fastest times over 100 m at this year’s Gay Games. While many athletes are active for years already, Teddy Franciscot doesn´t do it for a long time so far. “I am training the sprint since one year, before I didn´t do much of sports besides soccer in school” , says the athlete, “I was tired to do nothing so I started with track and field.” With his finish time of 11:03 at the Gay Games he cracked his personal best. His next goal is the French Nationals for track and field. He hardly missed the qualification time of 10:90 but he wants to keep on training to be able to start next year.

Also with a clear lead and a time of 13:66 the Dutch Martje Hoekmeijer reached the finish line and left her competitors in the age group 30 to 34 behind. “This wasn´t my best time but I am very satisfied anyway and surprised about the medal” the fastest female runner of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 says. Since 3 years the athlete hasn´t run any competitions and could celebrate a comeback at the Gay Games Cologne. Hoekmeijer took part at the Gay Games Chicago and feels very comfortable to be in Cologne. One thing she knows for sure: She will be part of the next Gay Games in Cleveland.  We are looking forward to her comeback as the woman with the fastest legs of the Gay Games.

More photos can be found at http://www.qubesport.net/photos