On the years it’s included in the program, the wheelchair race truly kicks off the Athletissima evening, just before 8 p.m. This spectacular event is a crowd-pleaser, and Marcel Hug has long been one of its leading figures. The seven-time Paralympic champion from Thurgau shares a few behind-the-scenes insights into his discipline.
First, there’s this slightly surprising admission over the phone:
“How many Paralympic and World Championship medals do I have? I’m not exactly sure, I don’t count them. There are already enough numbers as it is. But I do remember the titles,” the 39-year-old champion tells us. Once again this year, Marcel Hug will be one of the highlights of Athletissima, racing the 1500m (starting at 7:50 p.m., just before the international program).
Two years ago, during his last appearance, he won in Lausanne over that distance in 3:09.79. Just like with his medal count, he doesn’t dwell on “details”: he doesn’t recall the hundredths of his times, not even of his world records. He holds all of them, from 800m to the marathon.
“My record is 2 minutes 43-something over 1500m,” he says.
However, there’s no talk of setting a world record in Lausanne—or in other major meets on the circuit.
“To set records, we need special tracks, without granules, or very worn out, smooth surfaces like those in Nottwil or Arbon. But those tracks, while ideal for us, are tough on joints and muscles.”
No matter—this only makes the competition at La Pontaise all the more exciting.
“The tactical aspect is very important in the 1500m. You have to know how to draft well in the pack and sprint at the right time.”
In Lausanne, there’s an added challenge (though it’s actually an advantage for able-bodied athletes): the curves are very wide, and the angles are unusual.
“This forces us, the wheelchair athletes, to make a correction using upper-body movement during the turns to maintain the right trajectory,” explains the man with seven Paralympic titles and dozens of World and Paralympic medals.
Pushing Toward Equality
“Athletissima is always a highlight of my season. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our sport. The crowd is always fantastic—they cheer us on from start to finish.”
Marcel Hug’s category (T54, the fastest in para athletics) is highly regarded, and organizers give its champions the recognition they deserve.
“When I started out in junior competitions, I never dreamed that one day our prize money could be equal to—or not far from—that of able-bodied athletes,” says the “Swiss Silver Bullet” (his nickname, referencing his silver helmet).
At major marathons, like the London Marathon—where he claimed victory for the 7th time this spring—the winner’s prize ($55,000) is the same as for the runners. At track meets, full equality hasn’t been reached yet, but Marcel Hug is very happy with the conditions offered and the welcome he receives—especially at Athletissima.
There’s no doubt the crowd at this 50th edition is ready to give him another standing ovation!
