Ulla Koch has been working in our country for several weeks as a top coach for gymnasts. She still has to get the gymnasts to the Olympic Games, although she does not put any pressure on Nina Derwael. “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” says the German top trainer.
Ulla Koch (68) has returned from retirement to help the Belgian gymnasts out of trouble. “I saw them at work at the World Cup in Antwerp where they could not achieve their goals,” she says.
“I first wanted to hear from the gymnasts themselves if we could help them. “Yes,” they said in unison. They needed experience and believed that I could give it to them. After a few days we decided to accept the offer. to go.”
Koch found “superb training facilities” in Ghent. “And a good team, but not in its best shape.”
The German top coach will assist the gymnasts towards the Olympic Games in Paris.
“I want to help them get Olympic tickets through World Cups and the European Championships. If they are in good condition and reach their top level, we have a good chance,” says Koch.
(read below the video)
“Be patient with Nina Derwael”
Nina Derwael is one of the athletes who still have to qualify for Paris. The Olympic parallel bars champion is running a race against time after a shoulder injury.
“She is on the right track, but we have to be patient,” says Ulla Koch. “I heard that she also wants to be at the Olympic Games in 2028. That is why we have to take it step by step.”
Her shoulder remains a point of attention. “We’ll give her all the time she needs,” Koch assures.
“Nina still has a long way to go before she can take action on bars again,” the trainer continues. “Let’s tackle other parts first, such as the floor and beam exercise, so that she gets the feeling back.”
Nina Derwael and Ulla Koch in the Top Sports Hall in Ghent.
“Mental health is as important as physical”
Ulla Koch is not only an experienced trainer, but also a mental coach. “About 10 years ago I realized that I was still missing something as a trainer. That’s when I started looking into mental coaching,” she says.
“So I know that gymnasts have to be on the mat with a good mindset. Hopefully I can help them with that.”
“Because your mental health is just as important as your physical condition,” Koch knows. “You can’t achieve anything without a good mindset.”
“The gymnasts can come and talk to me about anything. About their worries, but also about their joy.”
Not that Koch will tackle the gymnasts with silk gloves. “You have to push your limits in the training hall, otherwise you cannot perform at top level. You have to prepare yourself physically and mentally.”
“We do talk about the limits. They have to indicate when it goes too far. It is important that we all talk about it,” says Koch.
Ulla Koch: “You have to look for your limits and talk about them.”
After the Paris Olympics, Ulla Koch will retire for good. “Then I am almost 70 years old. High time to retire,” she laughs.
2023-12-08 14:00:43
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