Former pole vaulter Tim Lobinger (1972-2023) died of cancer at the age of 50. He fell asleep peacefully in a small circle and "didn't lose the fight, but won it in his own way," the family said in a statement. Numerous stars and colleagues say goodbye to the sports star on social media.

Numerous comments were collected under Lobinger's last Instagram post after the sad news. "You were a role model for so many," wrote moderator Ruth Moschner (46). "I hope you can laugh a lot again now! R.I.P. Tim! My condolences to family and friends!" Colleague Angela Finger-Erben (43) explained: "It hurts! I think very firmly of the family." And long-distance runner Sabrina Mockenhaupt-Gregor (42) commented: "Now you are no longer in pain! Lots of strength from your whole family."

The moderator Andrea Kaiser (41) wrote on Twitter about a photo of Lobinger in which he hugs a person with a smile: "Tim, you were a fighter until the last moment. No words can describe the emptiness you leave with your loved ones. We will take care of her and carry you in our hearts!"

RB Leipzig also mourns Tim Lobinger on Twitter. "Tim was the club's athletic coach from 2012 to 2016 and has been part of the RBL family ever since. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace Tim."

Moderator Marco Schreyl (49) posted a photo with Lobinger on Instagram and commented: "It was nice to have met you, Tim! A courageous man who was an idol for me in terms of sport and, after our conversation in 2018, also human. A fighter. In every way. Bon voyage!"

"Let's Dance" juror Joachim Llambi (58) wrote on Instagram about a photo of Lobinger and Isabel Edvardsson (40), with whom the athlete took part in the RTL dance show in 2011: "The 'Let's Dance' family mourns Tim Lobinger !" He was a "great and lovely candidate" in season four. "Unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and we wish them all strength."

Edvardsson wrote in his own post: "My heart bleeds. For you and your loved ones, especially for your children. You were able to experience becoming a grandfather." It was so incredibly sad to have to leave at such a young age and she was very proud of his performance on "Let's Dance".

At the beginning of 2017, the ex-athlete received the devastating diagnosis of leukemia. The cancer initially seemed to be defeated by stem cell therapy, but the disease returned. Lobinger made this public at the beginning of last year. In the fall of 2022, Lobinger himself reported the shocking news to the public: "There will be no more healing for me". His cancer was "too aggressive" for that. Lobinger reported this to the "Bild" newspaper, adding in the same breath: "It's worth fighting for every day that I can live and spend with my family."