Frodeno – Athlete Of The Year
German Jan Frodeno had a stunning season with big wins at the GoPro IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Zell am See, Austria and the IRONMAN European Championships in Frankfurt, Germany, and now made history now in his country as Sportler des Jahres (Athlete Of The Year) 2015. His 2008 Olympic gold medal likely helped the jury in the decision, and that now makes him the first triathlete to ever be bestowed with that honor in Germany.
In his first attempt at Kona in 20014 Frodeno had 2 flat tires and a penalty, but no one was able to stop him in 2015. He had a season that could clearly be called PERFECT.
For a bit of perspective, here are the winners since 2004. Track and Field athlete Robert Harting won the title in 2014, 2013 and 2012, and basketball star Dirk Nowitzki in 2011. Formula 1 pilot Sebastian Vettel in 2010, and Michael Schumacher in 2004 (and 1995). Swimmer Paul Biedermann grabbed the title in 2009, and weightlifter Matthias Steiner in 2008. Fabian Hambüchen (gymnastics), Michael Greis (biathlon) and Ronny Ackermann (nordic combined) earned the prestigious titles in 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively.
But now Jan Frodeno made all triathletes proud and many other champions have already reached out to congratulate him.
"Amazing year and well deserved Sportsman of the Year. Now it's time to spend some quiet days with Emma and your son/daughter….. Enjoy!" said 2004 and 2006 IRONMAN World Champion Normann Stadler on Facebook.
The team title of the German "Sportler des Jahres 2015" vote went to the Nordic Combined World Championship team of Tino Edelmann, Fabian Rießle, Eric Frenzel and Johannes Rydzek, and the female honor went to shot-put European and World Champion Christina Schwanitz.
