Country: Germany
Profession: Athlete – Javelin throw
Career highlights:
- 2x Olympic finalist (2020 – 4th)
- 2019 World Championships finalist
- 2013 European Junior champion
In 2021 Julian was honored by the State of Rhineland-Palatinate for his contribution to sports.
Can you take us through that moment at the start of your run up as you prepare for your throw in an Olympic final – what goes through your mind?
It’s difficult to describe because you think so much and nothing in the same moment. Of course I think about technical things, what I want to focus on, but mostly I think about being the best and that I want to show how great I am. So I talk to myself again and again, “You are the best, no one can beat you” and so on…
What makes javelin special for you?
I love to see the javelin fly, especially when you hit the javelin perfect and can feel it.
It is such a heroic feeling when you build up all your power to this one little moment and release it into the javelin. I also really like the training around the javelin throw. You have to be really good in lots of different things, so training never gets boring. You have to master your body and mind for this moment.
Could you describe one of your least favourite training sessions?
I enjoy training so there isn’t much that I hate about it. I choose to focus on what is good for me and what makes me better, so there is always progress. Of course, I like weightlifting more than the longer runs.
What has been the WORST advice you have ever received?
The worst advice I got was from an orthopedic surgeon. He said I should give up sports when I was 15 years old. At the time I played handball and I loved it, but I got a torn meniscus and he said it wouldn’t heal. After some time, I went to different orthopedic surgeon and I got a cast for three months around my whole leg, which healed my knee and I started training again.
What has been one of the scariest moments you have ever had while travelling?
We were in Belek, Turkey, for a training camp when the pandemic started. We had to leave early, but we didn’t know if we would be able to fly home or if we had to stay in Turkey for a longer time, because they wanted to close the borders.
If your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save (other than people or pets!)?
It would be my phone, keys and wallet.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness for me is knowing that my loved ones are happy and healthy, and I am also happy when I feel good and don’t have pain.
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