Interview with Marcel Hassemeier, IWGA Athlete of The Year
I could hardly believe it
Marcel Hassemeier was the clear winner of the poll for the IWGA Athlete of the Year. With 21871 votes, the 24-year-old Life Saving athlete took the title home, topping the Mongolian Sumo Wrestler with 12744 votes. In an interview, the four-time gold medal winner from Germany explains what makes him particularly happy about this award.
How does it feel to be named the Athlete of the Year?
Marcel Hassemeier: It is a huge honor for me and a wonderful acknowledgement of my success at the Games in Cali. After all, 2012 had been a very difficult year after I broke my wrist. The doctors had told me that I would have to give up competitive sports. But then I came back.
What was your impression of The World Games 2013?
Marcel Hassemeier: A continuous rise. It was a thrilling experience because the audience was so unbelievably enthusiastic. That inspired me even more. The games were breath-taking. From the very beginning, just think of the atmosphere at the Opening Ceremony. Life Saving is not an Olympic sport, so it was really great to be part of something like that.
How did you motivate your fans to vote for you?
Marcel Hassemeier: I only heard of the nomination when the voting was already going on. I received e-mails and Facebook messages. Of course, my family and friends cast their votes for me. The crucial thing was that the story quickly spread on Facebook. After a week I was still ranked fifth, and even before the final rush I had 1,000 votes less than number two. That I would win with a lead of 11,000 votes came as a huge surprise to me. I could hardly believe it.
What are your next aims?
Marcel Hassemeier: The World Championship in Montpellier, of course. Again, I want to compete at the top. However, at the moment, I am still behind in my training program. After breaking my wrist, I had to undergo surgery again this winter and was forced to reduce my training.
What does your workload look like?
Marcel Hassemeister: I practice five times a week and usually spend two hours in the water. This is complemented by training sessions in the weight room and, since my hand injury, regular sessions of physiotherapy.
What do you think is the attraction of Life Saving?
Marcel Hassemeier: Our sport is extremely versatile. You have all these different disciplines. In pools and open water, for example. And I work with different materials in the water, likes fins or rescue tubes. I think Life Saving is a lot more than counting tiles.