As the year draws to a close and our young athletes at ITC gear up for the new season, many of us can savor a well-deserved break.
Reflecting on 2024, we hope it has been a year filled with positive experiences, both personally and in the realm of sports. Perhaps PSV Olympia Berlin eV played a small part in making your year memorable.
Now is the perfect time to express our gratitude. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated trainers, volunteers, supporters, parent representatives, and caregivers who contribute their time and energy to training sessions, tournaments, trips, and beyond. Your unwavering support is invaluable, making countless endeavors possible. We also extend a special appreciation to our active judoka who actively participate in training and share their expertise as referees, guiding and supporting our younger athletes.
Looking ahead to the new year, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Our referees and athletes will need to adapt to significant rule changes. Notably, competitors from the U15 age group and above will face a demanding start to the year, with major competitions scheduled early in January.To all athletes,volunteers,parents,and friends of PSV Olympia Berlin,we extend our warmest wishes for a joyous and successful 2025. May you all achieve your aspirations.
As a club, we remain committed to being a steadfast partner, providing unwavering support and striving for excellence in all we do.
Sincerely,
Your PSV Olympia Berlin eV
Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead: An Interview with Olympic Judoka, Katharina Menzel
As 2024 wraps up and PSV Olympia Berlin eV gears up for an exciting new season, we were lucky to sit down with Olympic judoka Katharina Menzel to discuss the club’s message and the upcoming year’s challenges.
Moderator: Katharina, thank you for joining us today. PSV Olympia Berlin’s end-of-year message highlights the importance of dedicated trainers, volunteers, and supporters.Having witnessed firsthand the dedication required at the highest levels of judo, how crucial do you believe this support system is for young athletes?
Katharina Menzel: It’s absolutely vital. When I was coming up,my club was my second family. The coaches, the volunteers, even the parents of other athletes – they all played a part in my success. They provided not just technical guidance, but also emotional support and encouragement. Without that strong network, it’s incredibly arduous to reach your full potential.
Moderator: The club also emphasizes the significant rule changes coming into effect, particularly for athletes in the U15 age group and above. What are your thoughts on these adjustments, and how do you think young athletes should approach adapting to them so early in the new year?
Katharina Menzel: Change can be challenging, especially in a sport as nuanced as judo. It’s great that PSV Olympia Berlin is addressing this head-on. My advice to the young athletes would be to embrace the challenge.
Treat these changes as opportunities to learn and grow. Study the new rules meticulously, work closely with your coaches, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Adaptability is a crucial skill in judo, and this is a chance to develop it early on.
Moderator: Looking back on your own career, what advice would you give to the young judoka at PSV Olympia Berlin as they head into the new year?
Katharina Menzel: Judo is a journey of constant learning and improvement. There will be victories, and there will be setbacks. The key is to stay focused on your goals, remain dedicated to your training, and never stop learning. Embrace the challenges that come your way,because they will ultimately make you a stronger athlete.
Moderator: what are your hopes for PSV Olympia Berlin in the coming year?
katharina Menzel: I truly believe PSV Olympia Berlin has the potential to be a breeding ground for top-level judo talent. With it’s dedicated coaches, supportive community, and focus on developing well-rounded athletes, it’s well-positioned for continued success.
I hope to see the club’s athletes excel both on and off the mat, representing the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance.
Moderator: Thank you for sharing your valuable insights, Katharina. We wish you and PSV Olympia Berlin all the best for a successful 2025!
Readers, we want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing young athletes today? Share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.
