Backstage in Berlin part two: the CEO
In the second of our features focusing on the people
who organise the World Championships, spikesmag.com speaks to the CEO in Berlin, Heinrich Clausen.
Can you tell me a little about your background?
I was the athlete village mayor for the European Championships of 86. I had the same position for the World Championships of 1993 in Stuttgart. After that I came over to, not the CEO, but head of the organisation for the European Championships in Munich in 2002. I've had so many titles.
How are you enjoying the job?
[Laughs] Can you ask a better question? No, it’s an interesting job. It’s not so easy to get your time under control because it's really busy. Sometimes I think I need one minute for a break but I am the only person who knows everything that’s happening. On the other side, I know what I have to do and I know what has to come, so I like it!
So is there a big difference in scale between organising the European Championships and the World Championships?
Oh huge. There are many more teams, many more athletes, many more international partners. The structure is a little bit different. We have around 50 or 60 percent more journalists for the World Championships and 190 nations for the TV broadcast. In comparison we have only 40 nations to broadcast the European Championships to.
Will you be able to watch any of the athletics?
I think my job is in the background. I need to handle our people not only at the Olympic stadium but in the city, too. I must have time for the volunteers, for my staff. I think my work during the event is to be motivating all the people who are helping. I want to say thank-you to the 600 volunteers and really get involved with them.
What will represent a big success for you?
I think when we have a full stadium and city, with a great atmosphere. Also that our guests are really happy to stay here, and that they feel welcome. We want to give them a great experience so they’re proud of our organisation.
What events do you enjoy?
Normally all of them. Because in all disciplines there is something different. I like short distance, I like long distance, I also like the walking and the marathon. Discus, hammer throwing, it’s all so fantastic. That's why I love athletics.
What state would you say the sport is in?
I think athletics has a problem of being too traditional. Some changes have to come. We have made the start and finish line [for the marathon and race walk] in a place where people can be together. We want to include the whole city so that they can see something has happened here. That’s the reason we have a culture programme downtown, the marathon and walking events downtown and a welcome party downtown. We're trying to bring it to the people and show them what athletics is all about.
Is it important for the German athletes to do well?
For all organisers, it’s important that the home country has good results. It motivates people. We are very happy that we have a new generation coming into athletics. We need good a competition and some medals because it motivates the TV, the newspapers and the country.
What do you hope to do when the championships are over?
I don't know. We need half a year to wind everything down. I will need this time to think about a new job but I just can’t think about it at the moment!
If you enjoyed this spikesmag.com feature, then you'll also enjoy these ones:
Backstage in Berlin part one: the media manager, Stefan Thies
Backstage with the Pete Tong of athletics: the stadium DJ
Welcome to the engine room – Lee Valley High Performance Centre