After double Olympic champion Max Langenhan reportedly turned away a phone call from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), the chancellery responded with understanding. Deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille told the dts news agency on Friday that there was “no reason for an apology”. He added that it was completely understandable that an athlete who isn’t always reachable would not answer the phone, and that he remains optimistic that a conversation between the chancellor and the Olympic champion will eventually take place.

Langenhan said he had received the call after his second triumph in the team competition but hung up because the number was unfamiliar. He normally does not answer unknown numbers. When he later discovered that it had been the chancellor, he expressed regret.