Pechstein appointed German speed skating allround national team coach

Claudia Pechstein, whose nine medals are Germany's most for a Winter Olympian, has been appointed national team coach for the allround speed skating team.

The governing body DESG said on Sunday that Pechstein now has the job on a permanent basis after previously acting on an interim basis.

Pechstein, 54, competed at eight Winter Games between 1992 and 2022, winning five gold, two silver and two bronze medals. She also has 42 medals from world championhips, six of them gold.

The DESG said that Pechstein has "an exceptionally long track record and outstanding international experience in speed skating” with many years at the top level.

She has also completed a coaching diploma at the Coaching Academy of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB).

Pechstein moved up because Canadian Mike Hall has taken her previous position as coach at the training centre in Inzell. In addition, Poland's Pawel Abratkiewicz has been appointed national team coach for the sprint events.