Last Friday, Sparkasse Dortmund, in cooperation with LG Olympia Dortmund, hosted an exclusive customer event on the eve of the Sparkassen Indoor Meeting. After a welcoming address by Sebastian Junker, member of the Sparkasse Dortmund Management Board, a panel discussion began, moderated by Alexandra Dersch. Yemisi Ogunleye and Oleg Zernikel, both successful athletes, gave the guests exciting insights into their careers, talked about challenges and shared their personal turning points. Both also expressed their anticipation for the upcoming Sparkassen Indoor Meeting in Dortmund.

Olympics: highlights and visions

Yemisi Ogunleye spoke about her greatest sporting success, the Olympic victory, which felt like a fairytale. The Olympic Games were not only a sporting highlight for her, but also proof of how much strength you can draw from setbacks.

Oleg Zernikel, who has already taken part in two Olympic Games, also looked back. He particularly remembers participating in 2024 despite health challenges: “It was tough because I fell ill on site and felt physically unwell. Nevertheless, this experience shaped me.” His clear goal: “I want to compete at the Olympic Games for the third time in 2028.”

Setbacks and the way back

In addition to their Olympic moments, both athletes also spoke about the challenges they faced along the way. Ogunleye recalled a serious knee injury that changed her life. At the time, she wondered what her everyday life would be like without sport. “As bad as it was back then, it was my most instructive time,” she explained. During her injury break, she found time to focus on her family, friends and music - something that still accompanies and strengthens her today. Oleg Zernikel also spoke about setbacks in his career. Following a foot injury in 2011, a doctor advised him to stop pole vaulting. “Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had listened to him,” he said.

Get-together: personal talks and photos

After the panel discussion, the guests had the opportunity to get to know the athletes personally. Over finger food and in a relaxed atmosphere, they were able to collect autographs, take photos and engage in direct conversation. The closeness and openness of the athletes made the evening a special experience.