Henry Maske: Olympic Champion and Icon of German Sports
Olympic Champion, IBF World Champion, Sportsman of the Year – and More
Henry Maske is more than just a world-class boxer. He is a true icon of German sports, having won the Olympic gold medal, the IBF World Championship, and been named Sportsman of the Year twice as well as Boxer of the Year.
His outstanding achievements include:
- Bambi Award Winner
- Golden Camera Award Recipient
- Federal Cross of Merit (2001)
- Golden Sports Pyramid by the German Sports Aid Foundation (2012)
- Inducted into the Hall of Fame of German Sports
In an exclusive interview, Henry Maske reflects on his journey, shares key lessons, and gives insight into what continues to drive him.
Henry Maske’s Career Highlights
Question: Mr. Maske, looking back at your professional and athletic journey – what stands out as the highlight?
Henry Maske:
"From a sports point of view, the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul were clearly the defining moment of my career.
That final fight, and the deep certainty that I was going to win – that’s a memory I’ll never forget.
Of course, there were many other moments, some of them tough, but all of them helped shape who I am."
The Biggest Challenges in a Champion’s Career
Question: What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome?
Henry Maske:
"It’s hard to summarize. One of the greatest challenges was truly internalizing and executing what my coach demanded.
Just when you think you’ve got it, you realize how much further there still is to go.
It was a lesson in patience, growth, and perseverance."
Staying Active: The Role of Sport After Retirement
Question: What role does sport play in your life today?
Henry Maske:
"Sport helped me understand and shape my personality.
It was a part of my life for a long time on a very professional level.
It challenged me, helped me grow, and made me who I am.
Today, it still plays an active role in my life – not with the same intensity, but with the same value."
Elite Sports and Business: Shared Principles
Question: In your talks, you discuss the parallels between elite sports and business. What do these two fields have in common?
Henry Maske:
"It’s less about what you do and more about how you do it.
That’s where the connection lies.
Success is never accidental – not if it’s meant to last."
Live at the Stuttgart Knowledge Forum
Question: You're one of the top speakers at the Stuttgart Knowledge Forum on October 14, 2016. What message will you share?
Henry Maske:
"Many people don’t feel genuinely motivated by what they do.
They look for someone else to blame instead of searching within.
That’s what we call intrinsic motivation – and when it’s missing, it’s time to explore what truly inspires you.My talk, 'Only Those Who Give Up, Lose', is about encouraging people to keep going, to find their path, and to reignite their inner drive."
