Coach Won’t Allow German Steeplechase Hopeful Gesa Krause to Wear High Heels

Gesa Krause is a 19-year-old from Germany who is hoping to compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Olympics. She won the event in the under-20 European Championship and she’ll be competing in the world championship this weekend. She’s also so motivated to compete in the Olympics she’s sacrificed many of the finer things in life.

Krause says she has given up partying, clubbing, and junk food while she trains. Oh yeah, her coach has also instructed her to avoid wearing high heels.

Krause’s coach, Wolfgang Heing, told the German website Bild that he’s banned her from wearing pumps. The idea is avoiding the stilettos will help protect her biggest competitive asset — her feet.

The restriction may seem Draconian on the surface, but it actually makes sense to some degree. I’ve mocked male athletes who got pedicures, but for running backs, keeping their feet in shape is wise. You just hope someone who’s so dedicated to their training gets to realize their dream. Best of luck to Krause.

Fist pound to Busted Coverage for the story

Note: This post also appeared on the Yardbarker Olympics blog