Berlin 2018: Johannes Floors vs. Felix Streng

When it comes to the men’s 100m T64, all eyes will be on Germany’s home-grown talent - the question is, which one?

Johannes Floors and Felix Streng go head-to-head over 100m – traditionally the blue riband event at any major championships – and both Para athletes are currently in superb form.

With no Peacock at this year’s European Championships – the 2014 and 2016 champion took time out from Para athletics after winning gold at London 2017 – the stage is set for a new face at the top of the podium.

Fast start takes on fast finish

As a double below-knee amputee, Floors competes in the T62 class, while Streng, who was born without his right foot and lower shin, is a T64 Para athlete.

Streng may be quicker out of the blocks, but Floors proved last year at London 2017 that he is more than capable of a strong finish.

The 23-year-old clinched a highly impressive world silver medal behind Peacock in the Olympic Park last year; he also won gold medals in the 200m, 400m and relay.

This season he has continued to prove that he means business, clocking 10.79 in June – as well as setting world leads in the longer sprints.

Streng, much to his bitter disappointment, was forced to miss the London 2017 World Championships through injury.

But this year the 23-year-old is back, more motivated than ever after missing out on a major championship and now consistently running sub-11 seconds.

In fact, Streng, who is yet to win a major 100m title – he has two European silvers and Paralympic bronze to his name - believes it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the fastest leg amputee in the world. It is a position currently held by USA’s Richard Browne, who clocked 10.61 at the Doha 2015 World Championships.

“I think I’m one of the youngest in the field and I think I just have to believe in myself and then it will come,” explained Streng, just after he clocked a world lead 10.67 in Leverkusen in June.

“We are not at the end yet – we actually didn’t expect those times now. Just give us a little bit more time and I think those times will drop.

“After last year when I was injured in the Achilles and then I had the virus infection, it took away a bit of that pressure where I have to perform and I have to show up and run good races. Now I just enjoy being back on the track and I think that’s the key, just having fun.”

Every minute of the Berlin 2018 European Championships will be streamed live on the World Para Athletics website. Visit the Berlin 2018 website for live results, full schedule, highlights and latest news.