Kathrin Demler in an interview with Jolyn
Kathrin Demler in an interview with Jolyn
Kathrin Demler (June 12th, 1996) is a German swimmer from Essen, who can already record many successes at her young age. Only recently was she able to secure a place in the top 10 at the European Championships in Hungary. In our interview, the almost 25-year-old swimmer tells us how she survived her biggest setback, which idol is driving her forward and what she would like to change about professional swimming.
Do you remember your first swimming lesson?
Yes and no. All I know is that I've tried a lot of sports and didn't really enjoy any of them. My parents wanted me to at least learn to swim and I've fallen in love with swimming ever since.
How about your exercise routines? How often do you exercise? How long? Do you also integrate other sports into your training (yoga, weight training, jogging, ..)?
I swim 9-10 times a week for 2 hours. Do strength training 2-3 times a week and stabilization training once. Sometimes after stressful days I also try to incorporate a little yoga.
Do you follow a strict diet? If yes, which?
Of course, a healthy diet is important, but I would not recommend minimizing yourself to a diet. I learned that it is important to eat intuitively. A balanced diet is a prerequisite, but you also have to treat yourself to something for the soul.
How do you like to spend your free time when you are not in the swimming pool?
I enjoy doing something with friends or being in nature. You can find me there with a fluffy blanket and a good book.
Tell us about your biggest setback and how you survived it.
A few years ago I lost the fun of swimming for various reasons, but still didn't want to end something that I was so passionate about in that way. So I decided to change the scene and went to America to set new attractions. There I found the fun and love for swimming again.
Did the corona pandemic affect your swimming?
We had to take a little break too. But the German Association has developed a great hygiene concept so that we could quickly get back on our toes.
What is driving you forward? What gives you the motivation kick you need?
What I have learned over the years is that you should never lose the fun of sport. I've learned that once I find the fun and enjoy swimming, success comes naturally.
You are an idol for many girls and women. Who was or is your role model?
An idol for me is Maddison Kennedy. She was our captain at the ISL and she had helped me a lot to put aspects into perspective. She has helped me to be more of myself and to live my own life. While it may sound obvious, we spend too much time worrying about what others think of us as well as trying to please others. As a result, we forget to live our own lives and that we don't owe anyone anything.
What is your “second” passion or what job would you do if swimming didn't exist?
Of course, I'm not sure that 100% yet, but I really enjoy working with people. I would assess myself very openly and socially and I also toyed with the idea of registering with the police.
What advice do you have for the girls / women who look up to you?
One piece of advice I would give to anyone is always to be true to yourself and never stop believing in yourself.
If you could change one thing about professional swimming, what would it be?
Personally, you would of course want a little more support / attention if you compare swimming with other sports, as it is a sport in which we invest a lot of time and effort.
Would you like to give your Jolyn readers and fans something else?
Love yourself :)
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