Foil Worldcupper: "I want to make life difficult for the world's best" - Interview with Fabian Wolf
Tobias Frauen
· 25.11.2025
If I see correctly, it was your first contest in Japan, wasn't it? What were your impressions?
It was my first ever competition in Asia. Japan really impressed me: a fascinating country, very open and welcoming. I immediately felt at home there and would definitely like to return. A special highlight was travelling there - as Johan Søe won last year and got two ANA tickets, I was allowed to accompany him and fly business class. An experience you won't forget in a hurry.
After a few days of very light wind, it really picked up on the last day - how was this change for you?
The turnaround was already clearly noticeable. The last time I was on my small setup was at the beginning of May in Hanstholm, after a long break. After a short period of familiarisation, I got to grips with it again. It was a bit annoying that I missed the timing in the final and didn't switch to a smaller sail. I would certainly have been able to do better in the high wind. Travelling with the 6.0 in gusts of up to 40 knots was a real challenge.
You drove extremely consistently, what was your recipe for success?
I concentrated fully on the essentials: trusting my ability, taking few risks and consistently following through with my plan in every race. That worked well.
Next time, however, I want to take a little more risk in the finals in order to challenge for the podium. After my experience on Sylt, it was important for me to get a solid result that I can build on.
Have you made any special preparations?
I hadn't actually made any special preparations for this event. It came about very spontaneously and wasn't originally in my plans. In the two weeks between the European Championships on Lake Garda and the World Cup, I had to write two university exams, so there was hardly any time for training.
Fortunately, I was able to get out on the water twice more in Japan. So I went to the start without too much pressure, which ultimately had a positive effect.
Sylt has shown me that I can definitely be in the top 5!"
You also got off to a strong start on Sylt, but then had some bad luck. Did you struggle with that?
Sylt was a very important competition for me. On the one hand, it showed me that I can definitely be in the top 5. Without a few unfortunate situations, that would probably have been possible. I wasn't satisfied with 10th place, but it opened my eyes and gave me a lot of self-confidence. I was able to capitalise on this momentum straight away: with a 2nd place at the European Foil Slalom Championships on Lake Garda and now a 5th place in Japan.
The only people ahead of you in Japan were the world champions and Johan Søe, who rides like he's from another planet. Does that make you feel like you've arrived at the top of the world?
The riders ahead of me in Japan are all world class. I felt very competitive this season and was basically able to beat everyone in the races - except Johan.
For the coming season, I'm working on leaving the aforementioned rivals behind me more consistently and ultimately finishing ahead of them in the rankings. With Johan it will certainly take a bit of luck - he is extremely strong on the road. But nothing is out of the question.
How do you want to focus next season between iQFOiL and the World Cup?
I can't say for sure at the moment. I love competitions at the highest level and I really enjoy both formats. In the end, however, the framework conditions and support have to be right. As soon as that has been clarified, I will set my focus accordingly."
Ultimately, the framework conditions and support have to be right."
What are the goals for 2026?
My goal is definitely to keep attacking at the front and make life difficult for the riders at the top of the world. I'm hungry and highly motivated. Whether that ends up happening in the iQFOiL, in the slalom or in a combination remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the motto remains to keep climbing step by step.
How do you spend the winter?
To start with, I'm focussing on my studies. I'm then planning two weeks of training in Sardinia over the New Year. As soon as I've finished my exams in mid-February, I'll be heading south to train again. There are several options - Tenerife, Tarifa, Sardinia or the south of France. I still have to decide exactly where I'll end up.
