Sebastian Seidl can’t really upset anything so quickly. The judoka from Pförring has already seen and won a lot, for example team bronze at the Olympics in Tokyo. In 2023, however, Seidl reached his limits. In the interview, he reveals why that was the case, what will happen next with his career, what he is planning for Christmas and where the judoka really wants to go in 2024.
Mr. Seidl, are you a fighter?
Sebastian Seidl: All my life.
Just on the mat or also outside?
Seidl: This runs through my life like a common thread. I am just as ambitious in everyday life as judo taught me. I accept all challenges equally.
How come?
Seidl: Judo means “the gentle way” in Japanese. I know from experience that he isn’t necessarily always gentle (smiles). But you learn to treat each other fairly and respectfully. I always treat my counterparts in a friendly and polite manner. In addition, my stimulus threshold has become very high. It’s rare that something throws me off track.
Is there nothing that triggers them? Simon Zachenhuber recently said on Bayerischer Rundfunk that before a boxing match he imagines that his train is late. What’s your move?
Seidl: (laughs) There is definitely something. This is more likely to be found in private life (think about it). Extremely structured daily routines trigger me. If you have 20 appointments, each should be scheduled at an exact time and ideally everything should be planned three months in advance. This goes extremely against the grain for me. I like to be spontaneous.
Then quite spontaneously: How was 2023 for you?
Seidl: It was the most challenging year of my life. I said back in March: I’ll be happy when this year is over. Now I’ve done it.
You need to explain this in more detail.
Seidl: The year had many ups and downs. I was presented with many challenges. Starting with the wedding in October in Pförring and the celebration afterwards in Lanquaid near Abensberg. Don’t get me wrong: it was the best day of my life. We had a legendary party, a beautiful wedding, the weather was just right. Just perfect. But the planning beforehand was enormous.
Sebastian Seidl: “I’m not aloof, I’m just the normal neighbor next door.”
Some fly to Venice or Las Vegas to get married. Did you consciously choose your homeland?
Seidl: As far as the registry office was concerned, yes. Among other things, the registrar is a former classmate of mine. The connection is simply there. The wedding speech was very beautiful. An absolutely right decision.
Are you Sebi Seidl or the successful judoka with Olympic bronze?
Seidl: Definitely Sebi Seidl. That’s important to me too. I do get asked about successes from time to time. But most people still know me from the football field in Pförring. I’m not aloof, just the normal neighbor next door.
You said earlier that you wished the year was over back in March. What else happened?
Seidl: In February I started studying for a coaching license with the IJF, the International Judo Federation. I need that so that I can coach at international tournaments. That was 14 theoretical exams and one practical week. The stress was practically “incidental”, in addition to the wedding planning. And something else was added.
Please.
Seidl: In April 2022 we started building a five-party apartment building in Pförring. Completion was planned for May 2023. In the hot phase, things went smoothly, with all the problems that are currently occurring, such as delivery difficulties with materials. That was a bottomless burden. With the support of my family, I managed to get the house ready on time.
Seidl: “I will announce the official end of my career at the beginning of January.”
This construction site was therefore closed. Will there still be any in 2023?
Seidl: Yes, it goes further. I started an internship at the German Judo Association on January 1st. I was able to supervise various measures such as training camps and tournaments for the men’s national team. Overall, I received an introduction to coaching life and information about retraining from an active career to a coaching career.
So is your active career over?
Seidl: The status is as follows: This year I was still in the squad, looked after tournaments and competitions and was on site as a training partner. On January 1, 2024, my squad status will expire after 17 years. I will announce the official end of my career at the beginning of January.
How does this affect your club? “Once TSV Abensberg, always TSV Abensberg” you once said.
Seidl: It stays that way. I don’t know in what capacity yet, we are in discussions. I took my first step on the judo mat there, I will take my last step there. I will remain loyal to TSV Abensberg.
So the look is forward. Was that it with ups and downs in 2023?
Seidl: No, one of the most important steps is still to come! In September I started working for the Bavarian riot police as a trainer for top athletes. I myself started and completed my training in sports promotion in 2012. As an active athlete, I was often released. Now things look different: a 40-hour week in which, as police chief, I give theoretical and, as in the case of self-defense, practical lessons to young top athletes from various areas.
How old are the students?
Seidl: The vintages range from 2001 to 2007. The youngest is 16.
What would teacher Sebastian Seidl advise his 16-year-old self?
Seidl: That it was the best decision to join the Bavarian Police and complete training in top-level sport. Back then I was a child from the very beginning; before this program did not exist in Bavaria. There is no one in the entire program who has been there longer than me. The training used to be great, but now it’s getting better and better. For a top athlete from a marginal sport, there is no better alternative.
Seidl: “For me there is a big goal in 2024: the Olympics in Paris.”
So everything turned out for the better. Actually a nice year 2023, right?
Seidl: Yes absolutely. It took a lot of stress and effort, but in the end everything worked out well. I have made the most progress of my life in every way.
Do you still need some hustle and bustle this Christmas? Or will it be contemplative?
Seidl: I need silence! I have to end the year comfortably, there is no other option. A very relaxed Christmas with the family. My parents are also currently building a house and then moving. That means it will be the last Christmas in the house where I grew up. We’re really enjoying this again.
What’s on your table?
Seidl: On the evening of the 24th we have various “sausages” from the butchers and farmers in the region.
After the Christmas break, 2024 is just around the corner. Will it move in a similar way to the current one?
Seidl: That can’t actually be the case because I’m not getting married anymore. And I’m not building a house anymore, I’m fed up (laughs). For me there is a big goal in 2024: the Olympics in Paris. I want to prepare my athletes optimally for this and also be there in France so that I can then look after them optimally. We will then see in what function.
Mr. Seidl, thank you very much for the interview!
The interview was conducted by Andreas Breitenberger
Sebastian Seidl and his long-time girlfriend Johanna Müller (here at the Ball des Sports 2022) got married this year. Photo: Imago images
Seidl in his role as trainer. Photo: Lorraine Hoffmann
2023-12-22 16:57:00
#challenging #year #life
