Series of Paralympics 2004 athlete profiles

Athlete : Holger Nikelis Event : Table Tennis Class 1 Country : Germany

Holger Nikelis is one of Germany's Paralympic medal prospects, with an excellent chance of gold. The 26 year old from Cologne competes in the Men's Table Tennis Class 1 Event (for Tetraplegic athletes) in Athens, at both Singles and Doubles.

Despite breaking his playing hand in february and missing the beginning of the season Holger came back at the Irish Open to maintain his World Nº1 position. The reigning European Champion subsequently lost in the Final in Holland to compatriot and World Nº2 Walter Kilger.

The Cologne Tetra Open in June (for Class 1 and Class 2 athletes) hosted in Nikelis' home town is likely to be a duelling ground of the main Paralympic contenders. However Nikelis is focused on the Main Event in Athens in September and won't be tempted into taking any chances with his injured hand.

Assuming a full recovery Nikelis is the player the others will have to beat to win Gold in Athens.

 

Holger Nikelis' website (in German)