BERLIN, Oct. 4 -- German Niklas Kaul is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the 2019 Athletics World Championships in Doha, winning the decathlon crown with 8,691 points as the youngest at the age of 21 years and 234 days.

What is behind the king of athletics?

A student on his way to be a teacher of physics and sports at the Johannes Gutenberg-University in Mainz, Kaul is coached by his parents Michael and Stefanie, both former athletes. His mother won the national 800m and 400m hurdles in Austria while his father won the hurdles title in Germany.

Kaul became the first German to win the decathlon since 1987 when East German Torsten Voss won the gold medal.

The former handball player called it hard to realize what has happened and admitted he has been in growing unrest before the 1,500m race.

"I was frightened I could spoil the thing. But then I thought, it doesn't matter if they have to carry you off the track, this is a once in a lifetime chance," the former Under-20 world champion said.

A medal got within reach after the reigning champion and world-record holder Kevin Mayer pulled out due to an injury.

Stomach pain didn't stop the German as he changed his nutrition during the competition. Spicy food and too much water were said to have caused his trouble. He drank less and ate more of what he loves when on the track.

"I always carry loads of applesauce with me, the one you can buy in glass bottles in ordinary shops," he said. Over the two days of competition, he has consumed 1.5 kilos as it is digestible like bananas and muesli bars.

【体坛英语资讯：Applesauce becomes decathlons key to success】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Germany beats North Korea 3-0 to advance to semifinals

★ 体坛英语资讯：Barcelona defeats Beijing Guoan 3-0 in 1st game of Asia tour

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Gwen Stefani feels cool to be Mrs Camerons rock n roll model

★ 体坛英语资讯：Henry blames personal problems for difficulties at Barcelona

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Nicole Richie quickly sprung from jail

★ 体坛英语资讯：World Cup champions beaten, runners-up held to draw in Group of Death

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Brosnan cleared in scuffle with photographer

★ 体坛英语资讯：Federer, Djokovic roll into semifinals

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Pierce Brosnan accused of hitting LA photographer

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao, LeBron earn NBA honors for January