The nomination for the Olympic Games - The second milestone: "With concerns, but it's done."

On the way to the second and final nomination for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, I faced a decisive moment that would shape my sports career and my life. After fighting through the first round of challenges, the final hurdle was now ahead. The path was not easy, filled with doubts and uncertainties, but the experiences I gathered shaped me and my determination. With concerns, but it is done. The tournament in France posed a special challenge. After a series of intense fights and winning the Seoul Cup, I found myself facing an opponent who knew how to exploit my physical exhaustion like no other. His reach and tactics overwhelmed me, and despite my tireless training and preparation, it was not enough. This defeat was a painful blow that momentarily made those around me doubt if I truly deserved to be part of the Olympic Games. However, this defeat opened my eyes to the reality of sports and the necessity to learn from every fight, whether won or lost. It taught me that setbacks do not mean the end, but rather an opportunity to grow and evolve. I realized that my journey would not only consist of victories, but that it was the defeats that taught me the most valuable lessons. Reflecting on these experiences raised my expectations of myself. I understood that I needed to demand more from myself to succeed on the biggest stage of sports. The question I asked myself was no longer whether I wanted to become an Olympic champion, but how I could win my next fight. My goal was to focus on every single moment, approach every challenge with full dedication, and never lose sight of the ultimate goal. As the time for the final decision approached, the concerns of my federation coach were palpable. Yet, despite the uncertainties and the heavy burden of expectations, he decided to take me along. He saw in me not just an athlete who could win a medal, but a fighter who was willing to give everything. This decision was a turning point that confirmed I was on the right path. The final nomination for the Olympic Games was more than just a formal confirmation of my participation; it was a symbol of overcoming doubts and affirming my belief in myself. I had proven that I not only knew what I was capable of, but that I was ready to show the world what I was made of.

From Preparation to Triumph – Parallels to the Business World

Insights on the Way 1. Flexibility and Adaptability: Confronting an opponent who exploits specific weaknesses underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability. In the business world, this corresponds to the need to react quickly and effectively to unforeseen challenges. Companies must be ready to adjust their strategies to respond to market changes or competitive pressures. 2. Learning from Mistakes: The realization that defeats do not mark the end but offer opportunities for learning and growth is transferable to the business world. Failures should not be seen as setbacks but as important learning opportunities from which strategic insights and improvements can be derived. 3. Focus on the Next Step: Shifting the focus from the ultimate goal (becoming an Olympic champion) to the next immediate step (winning the next fight) reflects an important business strategy. While companies should pursue long-term goals, they should also recognize the importance of focusing on short-term, achievable goals to pave the way to ultimate success.