NIU gymnast Thomas Koll is making his name known around the world.

The freshman has departed the friendly confines of NIU to compete in the Medico Cup in Austria.

The West German native, who was recruited by NIU assistant coach Carlos Silvestri, is a top gymnast, ranked eighth in his country. If he can make it to the top six by June of 1988, he will make it to Korea for the Summer Olympics.

“He is a very good all-around gymnast,” NIU coach Chuck Ehrlich said. “He told me parallel bars are his weakness, but I would say not at all.”

Ehrlich said he is expecting Koll to help anchor his team nad added Koll is capable of scoring at least 9.5s in every event.

“He will create competitiveness,” Ehrlich said. “He might be, no not might be, he is one of the best.”