Berlin 28 January 2023. An emotional farewell after a unique career celebrated at the 110th Berlin six-day race crowd favorite Maximilian Levy. The three-time Olympic medalist and four-time world champion was frenetically celebrated with chants and standing ovations in the packed Velodrom. The 35-year-old won nine times at the Six Day in Berlin, the last time in 2020. In 2021, the Berlin-born athlete ended his career after his fourth Olympic Games, but because of Corona, it was only now that he had his well-deserved farewell lap of honor – and it was a tough one. In 12.670 seconds for the flying lap, Levy once again proved his extra class to his favorite song “Mr. Boombastic.” Even without training.

“The most beautiful thing for a sprinter was always the lap record. I’ve raced here 84 times so far and actually wanted to complete the 100. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out because of Corona – but I will enjoy this one lap again,” said Levy, who went on his farewell ride with a specially made special jersey. Carried by the audience, including his mother Miriam, his father Rainer, life partner Emma Hinze and many companions, the clocks stopped well before the targeted 13-second mark. “It was a lot of fun. Age doesn’t protect you from performance,” Levy said, tearfully thanking his parents and appealing to the spectators after his run through the line of other racers. “I’m glad they let me go back then (to sports school) to make my dream come true. And send your kids to sports – it’s a good thing. They don’t have to become world champions, they just have to have fun,” Maximilian Levy said.