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Austrian parakayaker and paracanoeist Markus Mendy Swoboda was not satisfied with his performance at the World Championships in Szeged, where he almost missed the desired Olympic quota, which eventually ended in his pocket due to international quota rules.

 

“It was a mixed season, but I know the reason for it. The training camps were very good, but I'm always alone when training at home. This affects motivation. Every now and then someone accompanied me, everything goes faster, easier, you push each other. And as soon as I'm alone again, things don't go as smoothly anymore. I may be more vulnerable than others,” said medallist of last year’s European Championships.

 

And what would be the solution to the problem? “There were talks with the Danes, especially with an athlete who also won the European Games and would be happy to train together. This is now to be clarified with the association. So far, it looks very promising. The training should be more consistent again, it is important for me that I have a group where I can be. If that goes according to plan, I hope that I can get into the fight for medals again in Tokyo.”

 

30-year-old paddler already has a Paralympic medal in his collection from Rio De Janeiro: “It was a great time, the silver medal outshone everything. But the preparation, the way to the Paralympics was really hard. When it was done, I didn't celebrate wildly. I was so exhausted that I was just lying there for two days. You cannot imagine how much pressure and stress is associated with such a project. I am not flying to Tokyo as defending champion, the expectations are - as of today - certainly lower than in 2016. Back then in Brazil the stress was already enormous. I was at the test event in Tokyo and got a first feeling. The anticipation is huge. We will make history and be part of a great event - it will definitely be an experience again.”

 

And the main goal for the Paralympic Games is to stand on the winner’s podium once more: “That is definitely the goal. Otherwise I would not do it. I have been at the top for a long time and if at some point I cannot get to the top on my own, the whole project is of no interest to me.”