Lukas Rifesser is preparing for a comeback in South Africa

Lukas Rifesser would never have thought that bone edema in four tarsal bones of his left foot, which became acute in April 2010, would result in such a long period of suffering. Since then, the 26-year-old from Bruneck has celebrated some successes - including reaching the 2010 European Championship semi-finals in the 800 m - but Rifesser has never achieved the World Cup form of 2009, when he ran a new national record in 1:45.88. Rifesser has not competed in a race since July 19, 2011 (1:47.11 in Lignano Sabbiadoro). He had to keep postponing a comeback. Instead, he patiently tried alternative training methods such as aqua jogging or special shock wave therapy. Rifesser used the time without competition for other things outside of athletics. “I tried other sports and went to the mountains a lot. On top of that, I started studying sports in Innsbruck,” says Rifesser. During this time, the 26-year-old also realized how important running is to him.

The first tests with colleagues from the national team at the training camp in San Vincenzo at the beginning of December were positive. Since December 28th, Lukas Rifesser has been preparing for his first competition in 1500 months at the altitude training camp in Potchefstroom (18 m). Rifesser was already a guest at the South African training center in 2006. On the instructions of his trainer Gianni Ghidini, he completes 12 training sessions per week together with Mohad Abdikadar and Soufiane El Kabbouri. “Here in Potchefstroom I can find everything a runner’s heart desires,” enthuses Rifesser. In Potchefstroom he also has the opportunity to compete with the almost fully represented European elite over 800 m such as Marcin Lewandowski (PB 1:43.84) or Adam Kszcot (PB: 1:43.30).

Rifesser will remain in South Africa until January 22nd. At the indoor meeting on January 29th in Vienna, Lukas Rifesser's suffering should finally be history. On the 16th/17th The thoroughbred athlete from Bruneck would also like to take part in the Italian Indoor Championships in February. However, Rifesser doesn't want to look any further: "I'm just happy to finally be able to walk pain-free again."

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Lukas Rifesser is preparing for a comeback in South Africa

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