Javelin thrower Thomas Röhler talks about his Olympic cancellation, looks back on the Olympic victory and reveals how he combines family and job.
Gold has been fought for in Japan since July 23 and until August 8, 2021. Javelin thrower Thomas Röhler (29) had to cancel his participation in the Olympics due to back problems. Shortly before his Olympic victory in 2016, the athlete also suffered an injury that only allowed him a few days to prepare. Nevertheless, he was able to fulfill his great Olympic dream.
Together with ex-track cyclist Kristina Vogel (30) and gymnastics ace Fabian Hambüchen (33), Röhler is therefore also an ambassador for the campaign “Follow your dream called. Among other things, an adventure truck stopped at Kurfürstendamm in Berlin on July 30th and 31st to bring people closer to the sport and to inspire them to never give up and to fight for their dreams.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Röhler reveals how he deals with his Olympic cancellation, what goals he has set and how he looks back on his triumph in Rio de Janeiro. The professional athlete also tells how he has reconciled family and work since the birth of his son last year.
You have canceled your trip to Tokyo for the Summer Games. How much does the cancellation still hurt you?
Thomas Röhler: Of course it hurts, as an Olympic champion, the Olympic Games are always something very, very special. Nevertheless, I know that I made the right decision for me and I look forward to training every day for a successful comeback.
How do you get your back injury under control and what sporting goals have you set yourself after the rejection?
Röhler: We are well on the way to getting things under control completely, the healing process is going well and we are taking the time to take the necessary steps in training. For 2022 there are great highlights with the home European Championship in Munich and the World Cup, in the long term there are “only” three years until Paris 2024.
In 2016 you became an Olympic champion. How do you look back on victory five years later?
Röhler: The Olympic victory is difficult to put into words – it brings so many perspectives and facets with it. On the one hand, it is simply the greatest sporting success that can be achieved individually for an individual, on the other hand, one takes on a new, strengthened, responsible role as a role model in society. I enjoy being an Olympic champion and an ambassador of sport in society.
You have long been told that you are too small to be a javelin thrower. When did you stop listening to advice?
Röhler: It is important to evaluate the advice correctly. You should always listen – you should only decide yourself and with your heart.
You are ambassadors of the campaign “Follow your dream. No matter what”. What specific tips would you give young athletes who are dreaming of the Olympics?
Röhler: Patience and hard work are definitely important pillars on the way to the games. But since the path is long and rarely straight, it only works with the necessary portion of passion in daily action for one’s own dream.
They became a father for the first time a year ago. How do you cope with the role of a father and are you able to combine work with private life?
Röhler: It’s great to be able to share the special path of life as a top athlete with the family. On the one hand, our son has often been with us during training, on the other hand, together with my partner, he is the pole next to sport. We like to enjoy the free time together in nature. This is how I draw strength and inspiration for my role in sport.
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