From Olympic Triumph to Business Success

Welcome to the exciting journey towards the Olympic Games - a series that explores not only the spirit of sports but also its transferability to the business world in 5 milestones. Today, we delve into the world of a champion, that of former Olympic winner Henry Maske, and discover how an athlete's experiences on the path to the gold medal can offer us valuable lessons for our professional endeavors.

The Shock After Defeat

The year before the Olympic nomination was one of the toughest in my career. A defeat that may have been just a statistic for others felt like an earthquake to me. I stood in the ring, not only against my opponent but also against my own doubts. This battle was more than just a physical confrontation; it was a fight against the feeling of failure spreading inside me. In that moment when the judges declared my opponent the winner, I wondered if my Olympic dream was now over.

The Turning Point

Bringing back my former coach Manfred Wolke in the summer of 1987 was a necessary and right decision at that time. It felt like I was swimming against the current - against the opinions within the association and against the political games that often took place behind the scenes. But deep down, I knew that this was the key to my rebirth as a boxer. Manfred Wolke was more than just a coach; he was my mentor, my anchor in stormy times. His return was a clear statement: I was ready to do anything to not let my dream die.

The Struggle of Preparation

The months of preparation for the nomination were marked by sweat, pain, and the constant question: "Am I good enough?" Every training session, every run, every sparring match was a test of my willpower. Exhaustion was my constant companion, but the thought of standing in the ring in Seoul gave me the strength to keep going. There were days when my body wanted to scream, "Enough!" But my mind was unyielding. I knew that every pain, every drop of sweat, was bringing me closer to my goal. Your Henry Maske

From Preparation to Triumph - Parallels to the Business World

Insights on the Journey 1. Resilience in the Face of Setbacks: Recovering from a painful defeat demonstrates the importance of resilience. In the business world, entrepreneurs regularly encounter setbacks. The ability to not be defeated by failures, but to learn from them and continue stronger, is crucial for long-term success. 2. Value of Mentors: Returning to the former coach underscores the importance of mentors. They provide not only technical support but also emotional support. In companies, finding a mentor or coach can have similarly transformative effects by guiding executives and teams through challenging times. 3. Dedication and Discipline: The intense preparation phase symbolizes the importance of dedication and discipline. Every goal in business life requires continuous effort and the commitment to work through difficulties. The determination to stay the course and do the necessary work is essential for success.

The nomination for the Olympic Games - The first milestone

The Shock After Defeat

The Turning Point

The Struggle of Preparation

From Preparation to Triumph - Parallels to the Business World

More posts by Henry Maske

The final battle: the culmination of years of work - Fifth milestone

Participation in the Olympic Games - Fourth Milestone "The dream comes true."

Preparation and training for the Olympic Games - Third milestone: "Challenging everything, yet strengthened."

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