ANDRIN GULICH, 1999, Switzerland
World champion in the coxless double sculls at the World Rowing Championships 2023
Gold medal at the European Rowing Championships 2023 and gold medal at the 1st Rowing World Cup 2023.
What is the main trait of your character?
To be relaxed and focus on the positive.
Has it influenced your sports career?
Yes, I think so. It helps you stay motivated and get the most out of every workout and every competition.
What virtue do you wish you had?
Kindness, courtesy and generosity.
Fun fact about you.
I was born in the United States.
Do you have a motto for life?
Take the cause seriously, but not yourself.
Your second favorite sport.
Tennis.
Three athletes you admire.
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Beat Feuz.
What is the sporting milestone you remember most?
2019 IRA Champion with Yale [Intracollegiate Rowing Association championship].
How did you become a fan of your sport?
To my older brother.
Who helped you the most to achieve your sports dream?
My family.
Your greatest achievement?
World Champion 2023 in the double sin.
And your worst failure?
There is no worse failure. I've had many setbacks and challenges in my career, but I've always managed to learn from them and grow, so I don't see them as failures.
What has the sport taught you for life?
Many things, but surely the best lesson it has taught me is that having a strong will and discipline will take you far.
How would you like fans to remember you?
As a good rower and sportsman he has always shown great respect for his opponents.
What is the biggest challenge in your sport?
Overcome the mental barrier and get as close as possible to your true physical limit.
What is the most important aspect of any training?
Have fun.
Do you have any rituals or hobbies before a competition?
The preparation beforehand is always very similar, but I don't have a ritual.
What role has your upbringing played in your sports career?
A big role. I studied and rowed for Yale University, where I became the rower I am today.
And what role has sport played in your education?
Sports have always been a good counterbalance to my education, and vice versa. I believe that being physically active is the best break when you are studying to recharge the brain and let it work more efficiently again. You can't study for hours and hours at a time efficiently. On the other hand, going to classes and doing work is always a good way to stop thinking about rowing.
A tip for the younger ones.
Have fun and enjoy what you are doing.