"Progress comes step by step"
Date of birth:
26th October 1997
Results highlights:
Olympic Games: 2nd K4 500 Paris 2024, 3rd K2 500 Paris 2024
World Championships: 2nd K2 200 Duisburg 2023, 2nd K2 500 Halifax 2022, 3rd K2 500 Duisburg 2023, 3rd K2 500 Milan 2025
European Championships: 2nd K2 500 Racice 2025, 3rd K4 500 Racice 2025, 2nd K2 500 Munich 2022, 2nd K2 200 Munich 2022
Who is/was your canoeing idol?
Honestly, I don’t have one specific idol.
What’s your favorite distance and training?
My favourite distance is the 500m. I enjoy training sessions that combine endurance and speed, especially race-pace intervals.
Favorite paddle and boat?
I currently use a Lettmann Speed S paddle, but I am still testing other models as well. I feel most comfortable in a Plastex boat.
Which is your favorite training spot?
My favourite place outside the main racing season is Milfontes in Portugal the atmosphere there always puts me in the right mindset.
Do you have a motivation song?
It depends on my mood. Honestly, my playlist changes every year!
Could you give any advice for beginners?
Be patient and consistent, focus on technique, and enjoy the process. Believing in yourself is very important, especially when results don’t come as quickly as you’d like. Progress comes step by step.
What motivated your decision to change federations, and how was the transition for you personally and professionally?
It was one of the biggest decisions of my life. Moving to Germany gave me the opportunity to train in a very professional environment and allowed me to grow both as an athlete and as a person. The transition wasn’t easy, a new language, a new system, and new expectations but it made me stronger and more independent. In the end, it was the right move for my sporting career.
What do you consider the greatest achievement of your career so far?
Definitely the two Olympic medals from Paris 2024. Standing on the Olympic podium is something you dream about as a child, and experiencing it twice at the same Games was unbelievable.
What is your daily training routine like?
It depends on the period of the season and whether I’m at home or in a training camp. Usually, I train 3-4 times a day. Of course, there are days with free afternoons, and Sundays are normally dedicated to full recovery. Recovery, stretching, and proper nutrition are also part of my daily routine and when I’m not in a camp, I also work alongside my training.
What aspects do you consider most important when preparing for high-level competitions?
Consistency, a good plan, and mental preparation I believe a strong mindset plays a huge role. You need to trust your training plan and trust yourself. Rest and recovery are just as important as hard work. It’s also important to enjoy the process and the journey.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions before competing?
I don’t have strong superstitions, but I like to stick to the same warm-up routine and pre-race plan. I also like to write down my thoughts and feelings so I can clear my mind.
How do you handle pressure before important competitions?
I try to focus on the process rather than the result. I remind myself that I’ve done the work and that all I need to do is perform to the best of my ability. I set my goals before the competition, and I want to achieve what I’ve committed to. I think it’s important to know what you want beforehand and to believe in yourself and your team. Breathing exercises and short meditations also help me stay present here and now without jumping ahead in my thoughts.
How do you see the level of canoeing in Germany compared to other countries?
I believe that Germany has a very strong tradition and a well-developed canoeing system. The level is incredibly high, which has been proven consistently for many years. However, other countries are also progressing, and the overall world level is very strong.
How would you describe the German training style?
It’s true that the German system is very structured and detailed. Everything is planned and measured. Personally, I appreciate this approach it helps athletes maximise their potential.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of high-performance sport?
It’s not always easy, but I try to make time for my family and friends as much as I can. With so many responsibilities, it can be challenging, but I try to appreciate the small moments and draw joy and strength from them. I value the time I have and make the most of it and when I spend time with loved ones, I want it to be meaningful and full of good memories.
What are your future goals in the sport and beyond?
My main sporting goal is to keep developing and working toward the objectives I’ve set for the next Olympic cycle and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Outside of sport, I want to continue my education, and I have a few ideas that I’d like to bring to life.
How would you describe the experience of winning silver in the K4 and bronze in the K2 at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
It was surreal. The atmosphere in Paris was incredible, and sharing those moments with my teammates and my loved ones in the stands was unforgettable. When you stand on the podium, everything the years of training and the sacrifices suddenly makes sense. These are moments you remember for a lifetime, and you can’t relive them, so I want to keep them deep in my heart.
The K2 bronze medal was shared with Hungary due to a photo-finish tie. What was that moment like?
The wait felt endless! We knew it was extremely close. When the result finally came and it turned out to be a shared bronze, we were surprised but also happy both boats fought until the end and deserved a medal. Sharing that moment with the Hungarian team was special and showed the spirit of fair play in our sport. I never thought something like that could happen at the Olympics!
How do these results motivate you to aim for gold in the future?
They motivate me enormously. Winning medals gives you confidence, but it also makes you hungry for more. I know what it takes to reach the podium, and now I want to take the next step and achieve even more and to enjoy the journey even more as well.