Chat Club with Maria Höfl-Riesch
In my latest episode of the "Chat Club", I welcome Maria Höfl-Riesch, the most successful German ski racer of all time. The three-time Olympic champion and multiple world champion gives us exclusive insights into her extraordinary life and career - from her beginnings on the slopes to her current - completely unexpected - activities.
First steps on the slopes
Maria tells how she learnt to ski at the age of three and started training with a ski instructor at an early age. After school, it was straight onto the slopes and it soon became clear that she had an extraordinary talent. She talks about the enormous pressure she was under as a competitive athlete and how she managed to block out everything around her in order to concentrate fully on her races.
Injuries and comeback
We also talk about her serious injuries, which put her out of action for two years. During this difficult time, she worked on her comeback with a mental coach, among others, but this made her rather nervous. In the podcast, she talks about how she managed to stay mentally strong and get back on her feet. Despite trying to work with a mental coach, Maria realised that she performed best under pressure without outside support while always being able to deliver her performance.
Friendship and rivalry
Maria also talks about her friendship with Lindsey Vonn, which has turned into a rivalry over the years. Today, the friendship is no longer as close as it used to be, but the mutual respect has remained.
Social commitment
After the end of her active career, Maria is heavily involved in the social sector, including for the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, and as aspeaker gives her audiences valuable tips and insights how to cope with pressure, how to be resilient and how to stay motivated.
Cruise ships and football
Her surprising connection to cruise ships is just as much a topic of conversation as her no less surprising connection to football. An entertaining podcast full of exciting and unexpected insights - listen in now!