What event changed your life?
Joel Wicki: Winning the royal title at the Federal Wrestling and Alpine Festival in Pratteln in August 2022 turned my life upside down. I received a lot of media inquiries. Two months before the festival, I was able to take over a farm earlier than planned due to the unexpected death of the previous owner. Suddenly my girlfriend and I were looking after a herd of 50 head of cattle. Luckily, my family supported me during this time.
What would you have liked to have been as a child?
Farmer! I have always liked this job. Creating something with excavators, machines and animals has always been a dream of mine. So I found my dream job.
What was the last thing you prayed for?
I don’t pray much, but sometimes I have certain thoughts. On a Sunday off, I go to church and visit the graves of my grandparents or deceased acquaintances in the cemetery.
Article from “Schweizer Illustrierte”
This article was first published in “Schweizer Illustrierte”. You can find more exciting articles at www.schweizer-illustrierte.ch.
This article was first published in “Schweizer Illustrierte”. You can find more exciting articles at www.schweizer-illustrierte.ch.
When was the last time you cried?
After receiving the royal title in Pratteln, I shed tears of joy.
Who were you jealous of recently?
I’m generally not jealous and happy with what I have. But when someone does something outstanding, I start to think about how they did it.
What was the last thing you dreamed about?
Swinging is very present in my dreams. I’m already thinking about it as I fall asleep. I then dream of special swings or certain techniques that I want to incorporate into my fights.
My favorite picture: Tom Eisenhut used clay paints to paint my first two calves, which I bought two and a half years ago.
What quality would you rather not have?
That’s a good question (think for a long time). In wrestling you need to be brave, you always want to push yourself further and make it even more perfect. I occasionally take these qualities with me into my private life, where I want to fill every free minute. Sometimes I want to do something that doesn’t make any sense (laughs).
What compliment have you recently received?
Many colleagues look up to me because I am very structured. Even though I have a lot on my plate, I can manage almost everything.
What do other people think about you that might not be true?
That I can sometimes seem arrogant. But I don’t really care. I do swinging for myself. The people who know me know what I’m like. These people also know that they can have everything from me if they treat me right.
My holiday photo: At the end of March this year I got in shape in Tenerife. The training camp was organized by another wrestling king: Adrian Käser.
What are you currently learning that you are not yet very good at?
I would like to improve my game on the Schwyzerörgeli. I would like it if I could perform a few pieces at the end.
What do you spend the most money on?
I spend the most money on my farming business. We had to purchase numerous machines.
Your favorite food?
Entrecôte with croquettes. But I also really like a cordon bleu or game that I have shot myself.
Who are your favorite heroes and heroines?
I admire people who take risks. For example, my coach Daniel Hüsler. He was a top wrestler himself, has his own farm, and also runs the Sport Rock Café in Willisau with an integrated fitness studio, where I also train.
What don’t you like?
When people say “Seich” about me.
Which is your favorite game?
I like playing “Monopoly” with colleagues. And with the “Brändi Dog” family.
What’s the last thing you do before you go to bed?
I usually take another shower. Or apply an ointment for pain that may occur after a workout.
My talisman: I have the canine tooth of a deer in my wallet – a gift from my father.
What shouldn’t be missing in your household?
A full fridge!
What do you reward yourself with?
If I want to reward myself, I go fishing or hunting. Or go away with my girlfriend for a few days.
Which day would you like to relive?
August 25, 2019. In the final round of the Federal Wrestling and Alpine Festival in Zug, things went too fast for me against Christian Stucki. It would be cool if I could repeat that final walk and do it better this time.
What three items do you take with you to a deserted island?
A pocket knife, a flint and a pair of slings.
Do you have a tick?
I pack the gym bag the night before for training the next day. Or when I leave the stable, I want all the work to be done. Nobody knows what will happen the next day.
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