“When I was wearing the clothes I’m going to wear to the Olympics, something changed inside me. The feeling was suddenly there: soon it will start. The outfitting was super organized. As in 2018, I have already sent a suitcase with the clothes to China. So the suitcase is there when I arrive, waiting for me. I only took my travel clothes with me. I’ll be on the plane with them on February 2nd.
Two weeks ago, my Olympic feeling was still mixed with a lot of negative energy – the China venue, the concern that there could also be false positive tests and that we as athletes can’t do anything. Now I think: if it is like this, then it is like this. But the outfit pushed and motivated me. I’m slowly getting into my tunnel. Physically I feel fit and now I’m hoping for good and fair competitions.
“Of course the Olympics are not the same”
In my head it’s like this: I fly over as an athlete and try not to worry. This makes the most sense if you decide to participate. I am now fully focused on the competition. Before the 2018 Olympic Games, I asked myself: What is the Olympics anyway? In the games now, I try to say to myself: ‘It’s like a World Cup’ – to calm my head. But of course the Olympics are not the same: one day, one chance.
The Olympic Games are bigger and more breathtaking than a normal competition: not 10 cameras, but 1000. In Pyeongchang the grandstand was packed, snowboarding was in great demand. Everything will be different this time. For example, there will be no German House. Back then we all sat together in front of the screen and watched the competitions. Because it was so cold, we didn’t want to risk getting sick. I’m not exactly sure how I’m housed now. I’ll see that when I’m there.
Who I will miss: my family. In the last few games, tears flowed in the finish area when I saw her, the first time at the Olympics and a medal at the age of 21. Now I have to take the vibes from my family with me. I went home one more time, but I also try to keep those memories in mind. I know: you are there.”
Recorded by Stefanie Sippel.