Germany’s top doubles ace says that the pressure in every tournament is bigger.

The German women have been consistently pushing Denmark for the top spot in Europe in recent times. Illustrated by the back to back silver medals won at the European women’s team events in 2018 and earlier this year in Liévin, France. In fact, ever since their dream gold they achieved in 2012, they have been on the podium every time. 

Isabel Herttrich has been at the heart of the German team throughout these years. Perhaps a personal highlight for her being 2018, where she won the Swiss Open in the mixed doubles with Mark Lamsfuss, and then went on to win the European Championships bronze in Huelva, just missing out on the final 25-23 in the deciding game to eventual winners, Chris and Gabby Adcock. 

Herttrich is a name that fans feel has been around for a very long time, having won two bronze medals at the European Junior Championships almost a decade ago. However, Herttrich still finds joy in amongst the high-pressure work environment.

- Of course, it is still fun but I also recognise that for me travelling and being away from home gets more and more exhausting.

Looking back at the last period for her trying to qualify for Tokyo in two events, she adds. 

- The last months have been crazy, the Olympic qualification is a special year, the pressure in every tournament is bigger, the travel load is higher. But I wouldn't say that the fact I play both events were a big influence on the stress level in total!

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Up for more

In mixed doubles, Herttrich and Lamsfuss are 17 in the world and giving it their all towards the Olympics. Following the games which are now postponed to next year, would Herttrich be up for more?

- I would say it is realistic for me to take another shot for Paris 2024. My body is still up for it, I never had any serious injuries.

Adding a comment about what would it mean for her to represent Germany at the ultimate badminton stage, Herttrich remarks. 

- Of course, it would mean a lot to me, I dreamed of participating in the Olympics ever since playing international tournaments. When it is all gone, I'll for sure miss the people the most and also doing something every day I am passionate about.

- At the moment I am fully focusing on badminton. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics, but there are no concrete plans yet for the time I'll retire, she ends.