After school I studied sports science, psychology and law for seven years in the University of Kiel, all while competing on the PWA world tour. I didn’t plan to be a professional windsurfer; I originally wanted to study medicine, as my parents and both of my brothers are doctors. Passing the tradition to the next generation is pretty common in families in the medical profession. So my plan was to follow their path, but I saw that my older brother wasn’t really having any water time anymore. At that time I had just started competing and was 2nd on the German national tour. Sports science allowed me a bit more free time, so I opted for that. University helped for sure in terms of training and preparation for events. I learned a lot about nutrition and basic things that made me feel more comfortable and confident to be able to compete, especially during heats. Also the organization skills of being an athlete, although I am German so I guess that came naturally to me as well… 😉 When you are studying you need to finish projects in time and you need to be efficient, all very transferrable skills for a professional windsurfer too.