iQFOiL: "Above all, it was hard work that got me ahead" - an interview with World Championship bronze medallist Theresa Steinlein
Tobias Frauen
· 30.07.2025
Did you expect to be right at the front before the World Cup?
My season is at the iQFOiL Games (7th place in Lanzarote, editor's note.) and the World Cup in Palma (5th place at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia) got off to a pretty good start. I could already see that I could be at the front, it just wasn't enough for the final. This was my first big final, so it went pretty well. I knew that I was missing a few little things beforehand, including mentally. A lot of factors come together and luck always plays a role, of course. But I definitely went into the World Championships with the expectation that I could do better than in the last races!
I'm very happy with the bronze medal!"
The Medal Series in Aarhus was extremely exciting, you even won the first final. How did you experience the finals?
I had a total of four races on the day, which was very exhausting because I had to hold out until the last race and the others had slightly fewer runs. I actually went into the semi-final in the worst possible position because I hadn't secured a medal yet and could still slip down to sixth place, which was stressful. That's why I thought "all or nothing" and went for the win. Of course I'm happy that I ended up with a bronze medal, I'm very pleased with that!
What were the decisive factors that brought you to Sixth place at the Olympics could now drive even further forwards?
I hardly had a break after the games, but carried on quickly. I was also studying, which I finished in March. I trained quite a lot and, of course, I also had a lot of fun. the new 7.3 sail played into my hands a little. The difference isn't that big, but I realise that I'm fit right to the end of a regatta and don't reach my physical limits. Above all, it's hard work that has got me further!
Above all, it's hard work that has brought me further!"
What is your verdict on the changes to the Medal Series and the material?
As I said, that played into my hands. I have the feeling that the sail is less forgiving than the old 8.0. The results have also changed a little. Smaller riders now have more chances than before, and you have enough energy until the end of the week!
What's next for you, what's next on the agenda?
Since the end of the World Championships, I've been on a Bundeswehr training course in northern Germany for a total of three weeks. After that, I'm off to Munich for off-water training, a bit of road cycling and time at home - I haven't been there for almost six months. I'll definitely go surfing on the Bavarian lakes. Then it's off to Italy again for training, as this year the European Championships in Sicily are still on the agenda (22 to 29 November, editor's note.). I'm looking forward to being able to train at my home spot on Lake Garda again and having a good time there.
