Jana Lakner

Happy birthday to Germany’s 400m force Jana Lakner, who has spent 2026 confirming she belongs at the very top of German one-lap running. In May at the World Relays in Botswana, Jana detonated a 50.85 relay split — the fastest by any German woman in two years — seizing the lead for Germany and powering the 4×400 squad to direct qualification for the 2027 World Championships. She’s one of only three German women under 52 seconds this year, she won the Grand Prix 400m overall in Nové Město just days ago, and she heads into the German Championships in top form, with her 51.73 lifetime best from Geneva firmly in her sights.

The origin story makes it better: Jana was a swimmer until a PE teacher suggested the track. She ran her first full 400 in 2019. Seven years from first lap to national elite and a World Championships appearance for Germany — some learning curves are just launch ramps.

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Jana! Auf ein Jahr voller schneller Runden — die 51 wackelt! 🎂🎁🎉🫶🫶🇩🇪