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The peak of Alexander Grimm’s career was undoubtedly the gold medal he won in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games when he was 21 years old. He has been among the best also in the other seasons but with very strong German men’s kayak team he failed to qualify for another Olympic Games in 2012 or 2016.

 

Nevertheless his medal collection is impressive. Besides Olympic gold medal he has eleven medals from senior World and European Championships and he also became Junior World Champion in 2004. Majority of his medals at senior level are in team events, yet he was not only 2008 Olympic Champion but also 2015 European Vice-Champion in front of German crowd in Markkleeberg. With the German team he became world champion in 2007, 2010 and 2011, while they celebrated European champion titles in team event in 2014 and 2015. He won seven medals in World Cup series in the seasons 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010.

 

“This decision was a process over the past few months. I spent three weeks studying abroad in Plymouth, England. During this stay, I realized that there is also a life away from the competitive sports, which I enjoy as much as kayaking. So I knew that I had to make a decision soon on how to proceed. My life has been focused on canoe slalom for 23 years and this sport will continue to be part of my life. However, I am now at a point where I feel like it's time for new challenges. That's why I'm sure it's the right time and the right decision,” said Grimm.

 

Grimm might have ended his career but he points out that paddling still brings him much joy so paddling will remain part of his life, but more as a hobby.