Paul Ruttmann

Rare post... so many people asked!
Why we were eliminated by 0.3 seconds in Time Trial 2. Swipe!

After we came in 4th at the European Championships, we had high hopes for a top finish just under four weeks before the World Championships. Unfortunately, we couldn't find our rhythm in the first time trial, raced a poor race, and only finished in 12th place. We analyzed the results and knew what adjustments we needed to make to be competitive in the second time trial and secure our place in the final 16.

What followed was terrible luck in Time Trial 2. We were hit by two consecutive waves at the start and got stuck in the sand. We weren't able to make our first stroke until about 4-5 seconds after entering the boat. At that point, neither our boat handlers nor we had a chance to overcome the conditions. In the end, it was very close. We finished 10th in TT 2, just 0.3 seconds behind 8th place, which would have been enough to qualify.

Were we frustrated? Absolutely! We doubted ourselves. At first, yes. But after analyzing the race, no longer! In the end, it's sport, even if its a big part in our lives.

The plans for next season are in place. We keep on working. If it wasn't good, it's not the end!

All in all I am more than satisfied with this very long season! I got great results met so many good people and became a slighly better athlete again.

Have a good winter ladies and lads!

🦆out!!!