In the camp of the slalom canoeists, there is a lot of air just before the first internal qualification for the national teams. The trigger for this is an interview by the Olympic second Elena Lilik in the Augsburger Generalin which she accuses the German Canoe Association (DKV) and head coach Klaus Pohlen, lack of appreciation and recognition. This cannot understand that. The starting point was an inevitable hand operation at Lilik. Then she wanted to participate in the first hot water course on La Reunion. “I would have received 24/7 physio support,” Lilik told the newspaper. However, head coach Pohlen decided two days before departure that she would not go along.
“We always decided this relatively early after the operation in coordination with your responsible home trainer, national coach and father, Thomas Apel. The communication was always over and the decision was made at least three weeks in advance. The DKV definitely does not take athletes in the convaleszen phase in a hot water course,” said Pohlen.
Also the claim that she had a physiotherapist around the clock there, witness to false ideas. “We were there with over 35 athletes. A physiotherapist who is financed by the DKV does not also have the time to take care of convalescent athletes,” said Pohlen. He emphasized that one had an outstanding medical and physiotherapeutic environment in Augsburg. Not taking her with you was for the benefit of the athlete. As an association, one now has to ask yourself how communication between the responsible trainers and the athletes works. “I cannot judge whether this leads to disciplinary measures. Other people in the association have to decide that,” said Pohlen. The national coach emphasized that it has been clear for weeks that Lilik would have enough time in the fall in Sydney. There is no obligation for you to take part in the national qualification. In the World Cup block before the title fights, she would be given the opportunity to assert herself directly against a third athlete. Because of the Olympic Medal, no qualification proof is necessary. Lilik does not necessarily have to start, but she had to release the team doctor from the duty of confidentiality so that he can inform about the state of health. “The ball is with her,” said Pohlen.