Malaika Mihambo has clear words about the World Cup conditions. © APA/afp / BEN STANSALL

“Organization rarely bad” – Sharp criticism of the World Cup

At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the conditions on site are not a cause for joy among the German athletes.

September 14, 2025

From: dpa/sn

"The organization is rarely bad, if I can honestly say so," said Olympic long jump champion Malaika Mihambo, who will compete for medals in the final on Sunday (13.40:XNUMX p.m.). "There are problematic peripheral issues that still exist in many corners."

Several World Championship competitors also criticized the logistics of the championships in the Japanese metropolis. "The conditions there are generally not the easiest for us," said sprinter Gina Lückenkemper. The distances are very long.

All teams are staying at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in the heart of the city, whose multi-tower complex also houses a shopping mall, bowling center, cinema, and even a dolphin show. "I find it difficult to bring all the athletes into one hotel," said Mihambo. "Of course, it has a bit of an Olympic feel to it, but it's more spread out there." Cold viruses and coronavirus are always a concern with so many people, said the 31-year-old, who wears a mask in the hotel. Her coach, Ulli Knapp, is absent from the competitions due to illness at the stadium.

“Cold Fish” and “Paper Plate”

"There are many things that aren't right—whether it's the bus transportation or the diet," said Mihambo. There are hardly any vegetarian options. Therefore, she does her own shopping at the supermarket. Discus thrower Kristin Pudenz missed Asian cuisine at the start of the World Championships. "Here you get noodles, cold meat, cold fish, and sauce," said the 2021 Olympic silver medalist.

Middle-distance runner Robert Farken, who confidently advanced to the semifinals in the 1.500 meters, finds the World Championships with its long distances "very stressful." "New challenges that are difficult for everyone," he said. However, since everyone is staying in the same hotel, the routes are also the same for everyone.

"It's not ideal that everyone is eating in the same dining hall, in a closed room, on paper plates with disposable cutlery. That's a questionable standard for a World Cup," said the 27-year-old. "There's no point in wasting your energy on it; you can get upset about it later. If it all went well in the end, hopefully, then I don't give a damn."