Ratingen Ready for a Combined Events Spectacle as Neugebauer, Skotheim, Kälin and Thiam Take Center Stage

The Stadtwerke Ratingen Combined Events Meeting returns this weekend with an elite cast of athletes, turning the German city into the focal point of world combined-events athletics. With major championship season approaching, the competition offers a crucial opportunity for athletes to test their form, chase qualifying standards and build momentum.

Leading the men’s decathlon field is Germany’s Leo Neugebauer, the reigning world champion and Olympic silver medallist. The German record-holder boasts a personal best of 8,961 points and arrives in Ratingen after producing 8,730 points at Götzis earlier this season. While the coveted 9,000-point barrier remains within reach, Neugebauer’s primary goal is to sharpen his form ahead of the European Championships.

One of his biggest challengers will be Norway’s Sander Skotheim, one of the most consistent combined-events athletes in the world. Skotheim has emerged as a major force on the international stage and is expected to push Neugebauer throughout the two-day competition.

Men’s Decathlon: Battle of the Elite

The men’s field combines experience, championship pedigree and emerging talent. Neugebauer’s debut appearance in Ratingen adds extra excitement, especially with the German star competing in front of home supporters.

Key Records and Numbers

Leo Neugebauer (Germany) – PB: 8,961 points (German Record)

Sander Skotheim (Norway) – European medal contender and global challenger

Ratingen serves as an important preparation event ahead of the European Championships

With temperatures expected to be extremely high throughout the weekend, endurance and recovery could become just as important as athletic performance.

Thiam Returns, But Not for a Full Heptathlon

The women’s competition will attract significant attention thanks to the presence of Belgium’s Nafissatou Thiam. The three-time Olympic heptathlon champion and one of the greatest combined-events athletes in history is making her return to competition after an extended break.

However, Thiam will not contest the full heptathlon. Instead, she will use Ratingen as a high-level fitness test by participating in selected disciplines. The Belgian star owns a personal best of 7,013 points, placing her among the greatest heptathletes ever.

Kälin Headlines Strong Women’s Field

Swiss star Annik Kälin enters as one of the leading athletes in the women’s competition. The versatile athlete has consistently performed at the highest level and will be aiming for a strong all-round display as the championship season gathers pace.

The field is further strengthened by several accomplished international athletes, making the heptathlon one of the most competitive events of the weekend.

Why Ratingen Matters

For decades, Ratingen has been regarded as one of the world’s premier combined-events meetings. Strong performances here often provide a valuable indicator of who could contend for medals later in the season.

Athletes will compete across all disciplines of the decathlon and heptathlon, with every point carrying significance in a meeting that has traditionally produced world-class performances.

As world champions, Olympic medallists and emerging stars gather in Germany, fans can expect two days of intense competition, tactical battles and potentially season-defining performances.

Athletes to Watch

Men’s Decathlon

Leo Neugebauer (Germany)

Sander Skotheim (Norway)

Women’s Events

Nafissatou Thiam (Belgium)

Annik Kälin (Switzerland)

Emma Oosterwegel (Netherlands)

Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Great Britain)

Sandrina Sprengel (Germany)

Notable Records

Leo Neugebauer – 8,961 points (German Record)