Olympia: Afternoon nap and school enrollment: Ludwig retires from beach sports

On the first day after her announced retirement, Laura Ludwig swapped her sports outfit for a tracksuit and large blue headphones. The beach volleyball Olympic champion from Rio de Janeiro sat in the stands, happy and relieved, and looked out over the magnificent stadium directly in front of the Eiffel Tower as a co-commentator for ARD.

“I was thrown in at the deep end, but it was a lot of fun. Of course, I enjoy things like that and they’re interesting too,” Ludwig told the German Press Agency after she had accompanied Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler’s quarter-final entry at the microphone in the morning sun in Paris.

“A job in itself”

After a glorious sports career that will end after this season, now a TV expert? “It’s a job in itself, of course. You have to learn a lot. It’s definitely worth the experience. Let’s see if I get to commentate on one or two games,” said the 38-year-old Ludwig.

Together with Louisa Lippmann, she lost all three preliminary round matches at the Olympics and was thus eliminated early. On Sunday morning, she jokingly shook hands with ARD presenter Alexander Bommes in the Olympic studio to sign a contract as an expert with the broadcaster in the future.

Ludwig had a turbulent and emotional 24 hours behind her when she returned to the stadium and fulfilled various photo requests for fans and colleagues in front of the impressive backdrop. “The night was restless. Yesterday was an emotional rollercoaster. I still need a nap,” admitted Ludwig, who won Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro with Kira Walkenhorst in 2016 and is considered the most famous German beach volleyball player.

Only the timing was spontaneous

Immediately after the elimination, Ludwig had not ruled out taking part in Los Angeles again in 2028. However, her decision, which had obviously been maturing over a long period of time, seemed to have already been made.

Only the timing of the announcement came spontaneously from her gut: In the evening, she announced in the German House that she would not continue her career. What will happen to Ludwig then? More time for her family and her two sons, said the athlete. “The eldest is starting school,” reported Ludwig.

Farewell to “Angels”

She then stood on the stage in the German House and swung her arms to “Angels” by Robbie Williams. The farewell tour is underway. “I want to celebrate a great farewell to the season on the field with Louisa and take that with me. But after that it’s over,” said the 38-year-old. She wants to play with Lippmann in the European Championships, the German Championships and a tournament at the Rothenbaum in Hamburg, among other things.

“Now is just the right time, I think,” she explained, adding somewhat jokingly: “I’m just getting old and have to leave it to the young people.”

Farewell to family and companions

She thanked everyone who accompanied her. “Without my family and my team, none of this would have been possible,” said Ludwig, visibly moved. Her husband and two sons were in the audience. “I’m very emotional right now, but I’m just so happy that I can share this with you today.”

She will always remain loyal to the sport. “I’m just happy to have the energy, capacity and time for something new. But above all, to be there for the family.” For example, preparing her eldest son for school.

Great career comes to an end

Ludwig says goodbye after an extremely successful career. She took part in five Olympic Games. With Walkenhorst she not only won gold, but also the world championship title.

After the elimination in Paris, Ludwig fought back tears. “It’s just so bitter that we can’t continue to enjoy this stadium,” she said in front of the arena under the Eiffel Tower with a broken voice. “And then to see these fans who are just there and still cheering us on, even though it’s over, who are there for us. It’s so bitter that we just can’t give them any more,” said Ludwig.