9 Quick Warm-up Questions to ...

Raphael Hartkopf

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Which discipline is “your discipline”?

Field hockey.

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And what is your top discipline here at the university?

I am enrolled in the master’s program in Management Analytics (part-time).

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How did you get into field hockey?

I got into field hockey very early: Both my parents were already playing, so I started when I was about five. In my late teenage years, I decided to play professionally.

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When did you start preparing for the 2024 Olympics?

I was able to make my debut in the men's national team in April 2021. Since then, I have been dreaming of participating in Paris and have been preparing for the Games ever since. In June, I received the sad news that I wasn't nominated for the Olympic Games in Paris. That's tough. But I'm part of the national team and was fully involved in all the Olympic preparations right up to the end. I'm very excited for the team, keeping my fingers crossed and dreaming of the 2028 Olympics.

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There is the saying: “Being there is everything”. Now that you are not travelling to Paris: What is your wish for the team?

For me, taking part in the Olympic Games would have been something very special. But “being there” isn't everything, of course. In the end, the team not only wants to compete with the best nations in the world, but also go home with gold. I hope that works out in 2024.

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University, elite sports and preparing for the Olympics – how does this go together?

The Elite Sports Scholarship Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region is a great support for juggling both. Coordinating course days, travel, exams, group work, on campus courses, and training is very challenging. I am therefore grateful for the understanding and flexibility at the University of Mannheim, which allows me to practice sports in an ideal way. While preparing for the Olympics, we travel a lot, are in training camps or play international games. A “normal” year without Olympic Games is less stressful and its easier to participate in university courses. I like that because I see my fellow students more often.

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Is there some downtime left?

Yes, fortunately! A coffee between studying and training is a great way to relax.

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What is more stressful for you: A competition or an examination?

Both are appealing to me, as unexpected things can happen or be asked in both scenarios, and you have to find a solution under time pressure.

Auf weißem Hintergrund ist in blau die Zahl "Neun" zu sehen.

When can we cheer you on and keep our fingers crossed for you?

You can keep your fingers crossed for me for the next international matches. Thank you for that!

Raphael, we hope that you get over missing out on a nomination and keep our fingers crossed for a nomination in 2028. Combining university and elite sports is certainly very impressing!