Jürgen Hingsen (68) was among the greatest German track and field athletes of the 1980s. Now the 68-year-old is dealing with a completely different issue. Insolvency proceedings are said to have been opened against the former decathlete, who appeared on RTL's jungle camp in 2025. "Bild" reports this citing documents from the Cologne District Court. According to the report, the proceedings were opened on June 22 due to insolvency. Hingsen reportedly filed the application himself.
"That's where I am and remain an athlete"
When asked about his financial situation, Hingsen appears composed and combative to "Bild". "I have decided to take this path now, also to clear the air. I've prepared myself for this", says the former top athlete. And continues: "That's where I am and remain an athlete. When you fall, there's no point in staying down. You have to get up and look ahead and accept the new challenges, even if it hurts. That's how it is everywhere in life."
According to "Bild", he receives support from his long-time partner Francesca Elstermeier Santonocito (66), with whom he appeared at the 2025 Sports Press Ball in Frankfurt.
Bad investments a decade and a half ago
Hingsen openly describes how the debts came about. He "made financial mistakes 15 or 16 years ago", he admits. At the time, he invested in companies in the renewable energy and commodities sectors - in retrospect, not a good decision. "You should simply keep your hands off things you don't know enough about", says the Duisburg native. He acknowledges that the burden is in the six-figure range.
His athletic glory days lie decades in the past. In the early 80s, Hingsen set three world records in the decathlon and had years-long duels with British Olympic champion Daley Thompson. In 1984 in Los Angeles, he won silver; four years later, he was disqualified at the Seoul Games after three false starts in the 100 meters.
After retiring from his career in 1989, Hingsen remained in the spotlight. In 2006, he reached fifth place on "Let's Dance". His participation in "Ich bin ein Star, holt mich hier raus!" in January 2025, however, ended early - he left the camp first.
