Lucia Dörffel was the only athlete from the German team to secure an Olympic ticket. In the interview, she talks about her stress level during the two qualifying competitions, her anticipation of Paris and the trio of Dörffel-Megos-Flohé.
The news about the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris is presented by Mammut and Unparallel
Lucia, you managed to secure one of the last 12 tickets for the Olympics at the Olympic Qualifier Series. How does that feel now, with some time distance from Budapest?
It feels very good and relieving. I am very happy that all the training and everything else was worth it.
You made it into the top 10 twice, with your 9th place in Shanghai and 10th place in Budapest. What do you attribute this consistency to?
Good climbing-specific preparation, but above all mental training. I worked a lot on my mindset with different people, which helped me a lot.
How did your stress level develop over the course of the two competitions?
Between the two Olympic Qualifier Series I was very stressed and tense. Sometimes I asked myself why I was doing this and why I was focusing so much on two competitions. Some training sessions were not always easy.
But I had a lot of support from friends and coaches. That made it easier and all the other athletes were in the same situation.
Lucia Doerffel
You skipped the World Cup in Innsbruck, which immediately followed Budapest. Why did you decide against taking part in this competition, which is popular with many athletes?
I am very glad that I decided against it. After Budapest, I felt a lot less than I could handle and I was physically and mentally exhausted. I have a lot of respect for all the athletes who started the OQS and took part in Innsbruck.
My body simply needed the rest to recover and find new motivation for training.
Lucia Doerffel
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In less than a month you will be racing in Paris. How is your training structured for this final month?
Basically, just carry on training as before and prepare myself mentally. But above all, enjoy the time and take the stress out of it.
What does it mean to you to be able to represent Germany at the Summer Olympics in Paris?
It means a lot to me and I am very happy to take part in such a huge event and to collect all the experiences and moments.
In addition to you, your two teammates Alex and Yannick have also qualified.
It's super cool that all three of us qualified and are going to Paris together. It's going to be a really good and fun time. We've trained together a few times and it's always been a lot of fun.
What are your expectations when you travel to Paris?
To do my best, have fun and give it my all.
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You recently had the opportunity to climb the Magic Wood Riverbed during a short trip. How easy is it for you to bring your good competition form to the rock?
Of course, it always depends on the boulder. But this trip I just wanted to have a good time and unwind. I was just happy to be able to climb rocks again after such a long time.
After an intensive period of competition with a peak such as the Olympic Games, many athletes use their best form to tackle projects on the rock. What is on your to-do list in this regard?
The list is endless. I actually have projects and goals everywhere. I definitely want to go back to Switzerland, but also to Franconia and many other places.
Content partner Olympic Games 2024 in Paris
The coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris is presented by Mammut:
Mammoth is a Swiss outdoor company founded in 1862 that offers mountain sports fans all over the world high-quality products and unique brand experiences. For 160 years, the world's leading premium brand has stood for safety and groundbreaking innovation. Mammut products combine functionality and performance with contemporary design. With the combination of hardware, shoes and clothing, Mammut is one of the most complete providers in the outdoor market. Mammut Sports Group AG operates in around 40 countries and employs around 850 people.
Maximum grip, sophisticated designs and «hand-made in California»: The brand unparallel not only impresses with years of experience in the production of climbing shoes, but also relies on a sustainable philosophy - as well as on a selection of specially developed rubber compounds that are processed exclusively by long-standing, local partners.
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Credits: Cover picture Lena Drapella | IFSC