Take a minute to hear German Heptathlete, Isabel Schauerte, on the balancing act of professional sport and school. Not only that some little things about her personal pre-event rituals and her biggest supporter.

Why did you choose athletics as your sport?

In primary school I wanted to do gymnastics but I was too young. That’s why I ended up in a different sports group leaded by a local track and field coach. She noticed my talent and invited me to her session. That’s how my passion was born 10 years ago.

What do you love the most about your sport?

I like the most that you can always improve. You’re continuously trying to beat your PB. It’s the best feeling when you finally mange to do it. Next to that you build up friendships with other athletes no matter that you are rivals on the track.

What has been your biggest success so far?

One of my biggest achievements has been the 6. Place in the german heptathlon championchips in 2016. In the following year I finished on 6. Places as well. This time in hurdle sprint. Last year I had to deal with many setbacks, that’s why I appreciate the 11^th place at the german champions even more. That result motivated me extremely to keep doing this sport.

How do you mange to do sport and school at the same time?

Delivering in school and sport at the same time only works cause of my strict (time) schedule. Around 3 pm I come home from school, have lunch and 2 hours till training starts. These 2 hours I use to relax. Training is usually scheduled from 6pm till 8pm. After that I have dinner, but that doesn’t mean my day is over. I still have to get to my desk and finish of the homework. That means that I have to work till midnight some days.

Did you ever have a major injury?

Never have I ever had a major injury, just small bits and bops that require a lot of patience. It is hard to deal with the pain, which can leave you highly demotivated. My coach and my parents have always been there for me and supported me on every step of my career. That and the goals I still have on my mind kept me going. Even though it takes a lot of work and patience to fight your way back to old standards.

Do you have any rituals before a competition?

Yes, I have, before every competition I have to have breakfast in my racing gear. Depending on where the competition takes place it calms my nerves to see a big wooden cross along see motorway. I really don’t know why it has that effect, but it just works for me. In the competition itself I have a ritual how to get into the starting block.

Are you nervous before a competition?

Yeah, Im always super nervous but in the same breath I’m so excited to get started and to see my friends, that I get distracted and don’t have too much time to think about my nervousness.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My coach and my family, especially my mum. She took me to every competition, except 2 or three. She drives me through all of Germany to make sure I can take part in every competition. She is my pack mule and she supports me in every possible way, training and competition.

How does a normal week of training look like?

Normally I train five times a week. Three of these are technical sessions, a running and gym session. In the technical sessions, the focus is either on spring, jump or shot put so that I cover all elements each week.

On which discipline do you focus the most in training?

We try to invest the same amount of time for every discipline, but my main focus is the hurdle sprint because it’s not only my favorite but also my best discipline.