Robert Farken: “I’m not a loud guy”
When it comes to fast laps, you can't get past Robert Farken in Germany. Neither in the stadium nor on the street.
Photos: Florian Kurrasch
Robert Farken is a real eye-catcher – the 26-year-old from Leipzig is Germany's fastest 1500-meter runner. After impressive comebacks from serious injuries, this year he is also competing in the Diamond League, the highest league in athletics. But who is this platinum-blonde athlete with the playful tattoos really?
Robert is modest - but he knows his strengths. "I know that I'm in good shape," he says before his first start at the Diamond League in Doha. "I've reached the top league. For me it's about proving that I can hold my own here - and recommending myself for further Diamond League races." He finished the race in 12th place in 3:35:59 minutes. "The rust is busted," he commented on Instagram - which means: He's only just getting started, even though he had expected a better result in his first race of the season. A week later in Rehlingen things went better for him. At the Whitsun Sports Festival he ran the German best time of 3:34.
Robert Farken stays true to himself - and that goes down well
With his self-confident demeanor, his sayings and his style, Robert stands out in the running scene. But how important is the whole image thing to him? "I do it for myself," he says. "It's important to me that I feel comfortable in my body, in the skin I'm in and in the clothes I wear." Robert seems authentic, he wants to stay true to himself - and that goes down well. He has 127,000 followers on Instagram and is considered an influencer.
"I try to have the courage to do what I want to do, what I like - and what I feel good about," explains Robert. "At the end of the day, that gives me self-confidence and I can perform." His style, as perceived by others, is just his taste, says Robert. "Maybe my style looks louder on the outside - but I'm not actually a loud guy. It just gives me self-confidence."
“I try to have the courage to do what I want, what I like - and what makes me feel good.”
- Robert Farken
His next big appearance is the Diamond League in Oslo. There, Robert not only wants to assert himself in the “Champions League” of athletics - but also to show that he belongs there, even if in his own way. With his sporting achievements and his individual personality, Robert shows that you can be successful as a runner without completely conforming to conventional expectations and norms.
