Thomas Apel is to become the new canoe slalom head coach, succeeding Klaus Pohlen. The long-time head coach is retiring after winning six Olympic medals in Tokyo and Paris. The 52-year-old Apel will now be promoted to head coach by the national kayak coach. "With him, we are gaining a high level of practice-oriented professional competence and expertise in the role of head coach. The DKV hopes that this will have a particularly positive effect on the development of young coaches," said Jens Kahl, Sports Director at the German Canoe Association (DKV).
"Keen to build something relevant"
As of January, Apel will take on the role for all disciplines. Most recently, the Thuringia native, who moved to Augsburg in 2001, worked successfully in the kayak division. He led Ricarda Funk (KSV Bad Kreuznach) to Olympic victory in Tokyo. His daughter Elena Lilik (KS Augsburg) also won Olympic silver in Paris. "I've been on the water for more than 25 years. In the medium term, I won't be doing that anymore. Now I want to build up something relevant," said Apel, who sees the new discipline of kayak cross as a new challenge.
He also wants to produce "a medal performance across all age groups". "I am prepared to make my expertise available for this." To this end, he has intensified contact with the U18 and U23 national coaches Michael Trummer and Lena Stöcklin.
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