German skier Mika Ketterer clinches her sixth national title
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Mika Ketterer, a versatile athlete from TSV Schmiden, clinched the top spot at the recent national championships with an impressive score of 72,292 points. This score was nearly 8,000 points more than his closest Rhineland competitor, highlighting Ketterer's dominance in the competition.
Ketterer's victory marked his 12th title in 13 years at the German championships. He has been unstoppable in the women's 20+ and 30+ categories, boasting an impressive run of 11 consecutive wins. His success has put him on par with Sabine Storz, who holds the record for the most German championship titles in the Jahn competition.
However, Ketterer's future in the Jahn competition remains uncertain. He has expressed doubts about his participation in future events and is considering a switch to apparatus gymnastics or a return to tower diving.
Ketterer's athletic career is not limited to the Jahnwettkampf. He has a diverse range of interests, including diving, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, and alpine skiing. However, he has focused his efforts on the Jahnwettkampf, where he has won six German championship titles as of 2025. In this multi-sport competition, which includes gymnastics, athletics, and water sports, Ketterer excels in the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard diving competitions.
In preparation for the German championships, Ketterer intensified his training in the two athletics disciplines - the 100-meter run and shot put. His dedication paid off, as he finished in second place at the national championships in Leipzig, overtaking Joschua Bartels.
Interestingly, 15 athletes from the Jahnkampf competed in the U16/17 age group at this year's national championships. The future of German athletics looks promising with the rise of talented young athletes like Ketterer.
As Ketterer ponders his next move, one thing is certain - his impact on German athletics and diving will continue to be felt for years to come.