Nationality: GER
IGC Ranking Position: 172
Home Club: FG Wolf-Hirth Kirchheim
Occupation: Sailplane Manufactor
How and why did you start gliding?
I grew up in a gliding family and spent a lot of time at airfields as a child - and I loved it! As a kid I built and flew models and at the age of 14 I finally started gliding. My first Solo-flight was at 15. Since then I always enjoyed the challenge and the freedom of our sport combined with th great people around having the same passion. It is a great privilege to exercise our wonderful sport.What do you enjoy most about flying in competitions?
It is the pure excitement of racing and spending time with people all around the world who love the sport as I do.
Exploring new, local and international gliding environments.
What is your most satisfying result?
Difficult to say - our sport offers satisfying results almost at every flight :-)
Becoming World Champion, winning the Grand Prix finals in La Cerdanya 2019 is definitely a highlight.
Taking part at already five Grand Prix Finals (Santiago/Chile 2010+2018, Wasserkuppe/Germany 2011, Sisteron/France 2014, Varese/Italy 2015 and now 2019 in La Cerdanya) and countless qualification Grand Prix always was great fun.
In addition I have a passion for long distance flights, resulting in several national and one world record (speed over 1000km triangle).
In 2016 I won the bronce medal at the World Air Games in Dubai - flying there in the desert or ridgesoaring along the skyscrapers was an exceptional exciting adventure!
What are the most important factors for success in gliding competitions?
