The Ski Club Willingen is 100 years old. Its honorary member Jochen Behle celebrates 7 July his 50th birthday. The successful ski club in Nordhessen on the edge of the Sauerland and the Cross-Country Skiing Classic are tightly linked, even though Behle spent part of his sporting careering SC Monte Kaolino Hirschau.
Statistics are impressive
"Where is Behle?" the cry for help from ZDF veteran Bruno Moravatz at the Olympics in 1980 in Lake Placid Behle has become more popular than some of the Olympic or World Champions. Behle was denied to capture any medal at the Olympics or World Championships; however, he got them as a national coach of the German squad. Gold, silver and bronze medals from biggest sporting events mark his coaching career. With Rene Sommerfeldt, Axel Teichmann and two times Tobias Angerer he dominated the overall Cross-Country World Cup standing. But Behle's own success statistics are impressive: a World Cup victory, four more podium places, fourth place in the overall World Cup standing, Germany's Olympic relay team and Vaasa race, 42 German championship titles, six fold Olympian, flag bearer in 1998.
A Life in and for the Sport
His marriage with the biathlete and Olympic Champion Petra Behle failed, but the two understand today very well. A " War of the Roses "was never an issue. "I often ask Jochen for advice" says Petra, who got married again and works as a sports manager in biathlon. As national coach Behle has gained a kilogram or two but he surprised again and again not only in speed golf, even if it comes to complete the 18 holes as quickly as possible. He is active in a foundation, which takes care for disadvantaged children. It would be interesting to calculate how many times he has circled on skis in training and competition, or in a car and the world plane in his long career. Also, because of his many trips during past 30 years, the question "Where is Behle?" was always actual. On 7 July, it can be easily answered: he is accepting congratulations in Willingen, Schwalefeld.
