On Sunday, March 13, 2022, helene Schrattenholzer made her remarkable debut at the U18 European Cup.
At just 15 years old, born in December 2006, Helene created a buzz at her first U18 ECup in Zagreb.
she started strong by defeating Perlaki from hungary, then stunned everyone by overcoming Tudorache from Romania, who was ranked 17th globally. However, Helene faced a tough challenge against Cancan from France, the world’s 6th-ranked player, and lost decisively. She then secured another victory against Mete from Turkey,only to face Heric from Slovenia,ranked 5th worldwide.In a nail-biting match, Helene narrowly lost to Heric, with the decision coming down to a penalty.Despite this,she secured an remarkable 7th place in her first European Cup,a testament to her skill and determination,having only lost to two top-ten players.
Her performance was incredibly close to a breakthrough.
Helene’s success is also attributed to her coach, Norbert Stumpf from Vienna Samurai, who guided and supported her throughout the competition.
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Helene Schrattenholzer’s Breakthrough at the U18 European Cup: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Norbert stumpf

The sports world is always on the lookout for the next rising star,and at just 15 years old,Helene Schrattenholzer has emerged as a name to remember. Her debut at the U18 European Cup in Zagreb on March 13, 2022, was nothing short of remarkable. To dive deeper into her performance, we sat down with Norbert Stumpf, her coach from Vienna Samurai, to discuss the tournament, her journey, and what lies ahead for this young prodigy.

Moderator: Welcome, Coach stumpf. Helene Schrattenholzer’s performance at the U18 European Cup has been the talk of the sports community. as her coach,what were your expectations going into the tournament?

norbert Stumpf: Thank you for having me. Honestly, my expectations were realistic but optimistic. Helene is only 15, and this was her first major international competition. I knew she had the talent,but I was more focused on her gaining experience and exposure to high-level play. That said, her performance surpassed even my highest hopes.

Moderator: She started strong, defeating Perlaki from Hungary and then stunned everyone by overcoming Tudorache from Romania, who was ranked 17th globally. What do you think was key to her success in those matches?

Norbert Stumpf: Helene’s mental toughness and preparation were crucial. She went into those matches with a clear game plan and executed it perfectly. Against Tudorache, she showed remarkable composure for someone her age. She didn’t let the opponent’s ranking intimidate her.Instead, she focused on her strengths and capitalized on every opportunity.

Moderator: Then came the match against Cancan from France, the world’s 6th-ranked player, which ended in a decisive loss. How do you think that match impacted her?

Norbert Stumpf: That was a tough one, there’s no doubt whatsoever. Cancan is an extraordinary player,and the match was a reality check for Helene. but I saw it as a learning opportunity. She analyzed the loss, took notes, and bounced back with a win against Mete from Turkey. That resilience is what sets her apart.

Moderator: The nail-biter against Heric from Slovenia, ranked 5th worldwide, ended in a narrow loss decided by a penalty. What were your thoughts during that match?

Norbert Stumpf: That match was a rollercoaster. Helene was so close to pulling off an upset. She matched Heric point for point, and it could have gone either way. The fact that she took a top-five player to the wire is a testament to her skill and determination. It’s also a reminder that in sports,small margins can make a big difference.

Moderator: Despite the losses, Helene secured an impressive 7th place in her first European Cup. How do you evaluate her overall performance?

Norbert Stumpf: I’m incredibly proud of her. To finish 7th in such a competitive field, especially as a debutant, is extraordinary. She only lost to two top-ten players, and her performance was a clear indication of her potential. She’s on the right track, and this is just the beginning.

Moderator: What’s next for Helene? Does she have any upcoming tournaments or goals for the season?

Norbert Stumpf: We’re taking it step by step. The immediate focus is on refining her skills and building on the experience she gained in Zagreb. There are a few national and international tournaments on the horizon, but our long-term goal is to prepare her for even bigger stages.

Moderator: As her coach, what advice would you give to other young athletes aspiring to follow in Helene’s footsteps?

Norbert Stumpf: Hard work, discipline, and a positive mindset are essential. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be setbacks along the way. But if you’re passionate,willing to learn,and persistent,you can achieve great things.

Moderator: Thank you, Coach Stumpf, for sharing your insights. It’s been a pleasure discussing Helene’s journey with you.

Norbert Stumpf: Thank you. I’m excited to see where Helene’s talent and dedication take her next.

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