After discus finale: Robert Harting continues to rely on brother Kristoff

Olympic champion Robert Harting has predicted tough times for the German discus thrower after winning a medal in Tokyo, but has yet to text his brother. “I think we have to be prepared for a prolonged drought, until Christoph gets his place again,” said Berliner, 36, of the German press agency. He himself won a gold medal in London in 2012, his brother Christophe in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

On Saturday evening (local time) Swedish favorite Daniel Stahl won the gold with 68.90m ahead of compatriot Simon Petersen (67.39) and Austrian Lukas Weihadinger (67.07). Wattenscheid’s Daniel Jasinski, who was still decorated with bronze five years earlier, and Clemens Prufer (Potsdam) missed out on top spots in tenth and eleventh. “I found it really exciting. It’s a huge success for the Swedish training group,” said Robert Harting. “Daniel Jasinski lacked speed. World class simply means performing consistently.”

The three-time world champion said that he texted repeatedly during the finals with his brother Christoph, with whom he has a difficult relationship. “They asked me when I was coming to train. But I’m out,” said Robert Harting, who ended his career three years ago.

Christoph Harting has never been able to cover great distances since his victory in Rio. The 31-year-old was only named as a substitute for Tokyo. “He had a good run this year, he actually started again only in February,” said the older brother. “He’s still one of those throwers who has the physique to throw in the front.”