About Me
Disability is
a construction site
on the freeway,
but no stop sign
for the sport
a construction site
on the freeway,
but no stop sign
for the sport
Having a tetra spastic - so what?
In May 1989 I was born in Bamberg. Due to the premature birth as well as further complications in the following days, I have the most severe form of infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) since then - a leg-stressed tetra spastic.
With this handicap I should actually be permanently dependent on a wheelchair and 24/7 care. And doing sports - not even conceivable! But because I don't want to be told how I and my body should be, I break up stereotypes here too.
I try out every possible kind of sport and challenge in life, train for several hours a day and simply don't let anything get me down.
With this handicap I should actually be permanently dependent on a wheelchair and 24/7 care. And doing sports - not even conceivable! But because I don't want to be told how I and my body should be, I break up stereotypes here too.
I try out every possible kind of sport and challenge in life, train for several hours a day and simply don't let anything get me down.
Impossible is nothing and training is everything
But now let's be clear: After my A-levels I went to study sports at the TU Munich. During that time I even studied two semesters at the QUT in Brisbane, Australia. This was followed by a master's degree at the German Sport University in Cologne, where I additionally studied to become a game and video analyst at the DFB.
In addition to my activities in the basketball and soccer Bundesliga and as Head of Innovations of a (sports) analysis system, I started my own business by developing sports and health clothing for a better posture. Also because I was rejected on the job market - regardless of my qualifications - because of my physical limitations.
Every difficulty, no matter how great, challenges us as humans, as a society, to solve it - sometimes with more, sometimes with less effort and perhaps with many setbacks. But there will always be a solution or at least a further insight. Even if it is only partial.
For me there are no "problems" but only "challenges".
In addition to my activities in the basketball and soccer Bundesliga and as Head of Innovations of a (sports) analysis system, I started my own business by developing sports and health clothing for a better posture. Also because I was rejected on the job market - regardless of my qualifications - because of my physical limitations.
Every difficulty, no matter how great, challenges us as humans, as a society, to solve it - sometimes with more, sometimes with less effort and perhaps with many setbacks. But there will always be a solution or at least a further insight. Even if it is only partial.
For me there are no "problems" but only "challenges".
On the one hand I was brought up very strictly, but on the other hand I was brought up very positively thinking, strong-willed, full of life-happiness and above all normal.
The decisive factor for my attitude is that I was brought up completely normally and was taken everywhere like any other child. For example, I used to ski black ski slopes between my mother's legs - despite my physical disability. This is of course a certain risk, but it's the only way to grow in your challenges and gain important experiences.
In my parenting, obstacles or problems were always accepted and overcome instead of being avoided. First of all, I should and had to cope with this - as far as possible - on my own. This is one of the reasons why I can lead a relatively independent life today.
In my parenting, obstacles or problems were always accepted and overcome instead of being avoided. First of all, I should and had to cope with this - as far as possible - on my own. This is one of the reasons why I can lead a relatively independent life today.
My everyday life includes a relatively broad spectrum of sports activities. My passion has always been cycling and trend sports. All in all, my life so far has seen well over 15 different types of therapy and training, which I partially have developed myself. These include climbing, swimming, cycling, special training equipment, weight training and, more recently, skating and surfing. I am still fascinated by everything spectacular and new - even outside of sports.
In February 2004 a drastic and equally important experience triggered a new start. Due to the progressive growth and the resulting malpositioning of legs and trunk, I had to undergo a major multi-stage operation in order not to lose my ability to walk completely.
In February 2004 a drastic and equally important experience triggered a new start. Due to the progressive growth and the resulting malpositioning of legs and trunk, I had to undergo a major multi-stage operation in order not to lose my ability to walk completely.
Give up walking and sit in the wheelchair.
With these words I was discharged in 2006 after a four-week rehab by the attending physician after the rehab did not bring any improvement because my physical condition had deteriorated due to a growth spurt.
But the statement had just the opposite effect on me and I thought to myself: Now more than ever! I increased my special training up to four hours a day, in addition to all other sports. After almost 10 weeks my condition was better than before the setback.
My attitude of never giving up, thinking positively and the ability to always look for new solutions that are as efficient as possible distinguish me and are the driving force for new projects and ideas. I have worked hard for this.
That's how I know: The assertion that something is not possible is a real challenge for me.
Only if you are willing to take detours and use every chance or opportunity, you have the chance to move forward and gain new experiences. Not losing your sense of humor is just as important to me as working ambitiously and concentrated on something. In other words: to do everything to achieve a goal.
Mainly, I practice being courageous every day anew. And I am not afraid to make mistakes - because I can learn from them.
So you often hear me say "No risk no fun".
Have the courage and try it out!
With my lectures, workshops and coachings I will help you!
But the statement had just the opposite effect on me and I thought to myself: Now more than ever! I increased my special training up to four hours a day, in addition to all other sports. After almost 10 weeks my condition was better than before the setback.
My attitude of never giving up, thinking positively and the ability to always look for new solutions that are as efficient as possible distinguish me and are the driving force for new projects and ideas. I have worked hard for this.
That's how I know: The assertion that something is not possible is a real challenge for me.
Only if you are willing to take detours and use every chance or opportunity, you have the chance to move forward and gain new experiences. Not losing your sense of humor is just as important to me as working ambitiously and concentrated on something. In other words: to do everything to achieve a goal.
Mainly, I practice being courageous every day anew. And I am not afraid to make mistakes - because I can learn from them.
So you often hear me say "No risk no fun".
Have the courage and try it out!
With my lectures, workshops and coachings I will help you!