Nik Willim: The tireless road to the Olympics - of passion, pain and triumph
Tatjana Pokorny
· 28.09.2024
A contribution from Nik Willim
The Olympic Games are over, but their magic and the stories they tell will never be forgotten. They symbolise the dream of making the impossible possible and the hard work that often remains hidden. Even though I wasn't on the big stage this time, I feel part of this world. Because the Olympics is more than just an event - it is a source of inspiration and a reminder of what dedication and passion can achieve.
With an eye on Los Angeles 2028, this dream should finally become a reality for me. Let me give you a brief insight into the world of high-performance sport and show you what it means to dedicate yourself to the Olympic rings. These rings, the symbols of the Olympic Games, burned themselves so strongly into my heart eight years ago and have never let go of me since.
In connection with the sport of sailing, which I love so much, I have developed a deep passion - something for which I was and am prepared to literally suffer." Nik Willim
In the first year of my career as a professional athlete, I faced a long-term knee injury that slowed me down for a whole year. But this first challenge was just the beginning of a long series of setbacks: ACL tears that forced me to retire time and time again, a serious car accident that further delayed my recovery, and recurring sinus infections that required surgical procedures.
On course for the Olympics: pain as a constant companion
Each of these hurdles has brought its own challenges, but the biggest burden I have to carry is my daily headache. Each of you knows these debilitating pains, but imagine if they were your constant companion - incessant, day after day, year after year. At the best of times, they are merely a constant distraction, a silent companion in the background. In the worst cases, however, which are unfortunately not uncommon, they overwhelm me to such an extent that even everyday conversations become an impossible challenge.
Imagine having to drag yourself through several hours of training sessions and competitions while at the same time being confronted with massive concentration problems, crippling fatigue and increasing pain with every additional exertion.
The pain forced me to organise my energy with extreme precision and efficiency in order to achieve measurable success despite my limited resilience. For years, I have been competing under long-term medication, which has now become indispensable even during training. However, the hoped-for improvement after missing out on the Olympics and the associated drop in pressure failed to materialise. The plan to prepare myself mentally and physically for the next season failed as I was overwhelmed by the persistent discomfort.
New hope in the fight against bruxism
Doctors are at a loss, whether dentists, neurologists, psychologists or orthopaedists - they have all given their best advice, but the cause remains unclear. However, there is a small glimmer of hope: the realisation that my bruxism, i.e. the night-time teeth clenching, is possibly triggered by an overreaction of my autonomic nervous system. This approach opens up new perspectives and could provide relief in the future.
When you admit to yourself that sporting activities are no longer possible without painkillers, it seems almost impossible to win an Olympic medal in Los Angeles 2028. To continue despite this pain, despite losing two Olympic competitions, borders on madness. With the successful completion of my Bachelor's degree and the start of a one-year Master's programme at the prestigious Antwerp Management School in Belgium, I have the opportunity to put the pain behind me and start my professional life.
But how could I stop now? How could any athlete who has dedicated himself to these colourful rings simply give up? I have worked tirelessly for eight years, training with unwavering dedication, enduring pain and overcoming frustration. And with success: as a top ten sailor in the ISAF world rankings, I have fulfilled all the DOSB criteria for participation in the Olympic Games, apart from being the best German.
An Olympic journey that shapes character
Like every other athlete who has come this far and who has dedicated everything they have to this goal, I will continue without compromise. I will find a solution to this gruelling problem because I know that my potential is far from exhausted and that the final step to an Olympic medal is within my grasp. I have now learnt that in sport, as in life, it's not just about the goal, but about the journey to get there.
Every hurdle, every pain, every defeat has made me stronger. It is this journey that shapes my character, that teaches me to never give up, even when the circumstances seem hopeless. In the darkest moments, when the pain is unbearable and success is a long way off, I remember why I started. The passion for the sport, the desire to win and the unshakeable confidence in my abilities drive me on.
My trainer Alexander Schlonski has always kept me on course with his experience and knowledge." Nik Willim
Los Angeles 2028 may seem like a distant dream, but it's a dream I won't give up on. However, no-one does such a journey alone. I am especially grateful to my girlfriend, who has experienced the hardships of my daily headaches most intensely and still supports me tirelessly. Her unconditional love and patience give me the strength I need to tackle each day anew and keep going.
My coach Alexander Schlonski has always kept me on course with his experience and knowledge. Without his unwavering support and guidance, I would often have strayed from the rocky path. He not only accompanied and strengthened me on a sporting level, but also on a personal level. The constant tailwind of my long-standing partners was indispensable and will continue to be so in the next Olympics.
From the dark sides to the bright moments
The support of Reinhold von Worlee, Hannes Holländer, Marcus Brennecke, Clemens and Christoph Toepfer, Peter Lau, Mathias Theurich, Frank Seitz and Dirk Pramann have long been much more than financial partners; they are fundamental components of my campaign and mentors for life. Their unwavering support and belief in my potential have always motivated me to keep going.
You also shouldn't underestimate the lasting influence of large institutions and their support. I am deeply grateful to the DSV and also the HNV for everything they have done for me over the years and how they have believed in me, even if it sometimes looked different in the results lists. Sporthilfe and Team Hamburg support us athletes immensely, especially those like me who decided against the Bundeswehr for personal reasons. It helps us to pay our rent and make a living.
The NRV Olympic Team, under the leadership of Gunter Persiehl and Klaus Lahme, is the culmination of this support. Their tireless work in the background has given us athletes the freedom to fully focus on our sporting goals. Without them, many things would not have been possible. When you take all this support into account, it becomes clear that it leads us from the dark sides to the bright moments.
Recognition and support as motivation for the Olympics
The recognition and support we receive for our efforts are an enormous motivation. Having the talent to compete with the best is an unrivalled gift. But being able to represent your country in international sport is an even greater honour. All these things make competitive sport a unique privilege.
The greatest gift, however, is being able to turn your passion into a profession." Nik Willim
Sailing, this wonderful natural sport, accompanies us athletes throughout our lives and always offers us new perspectives. Ultimately, however, we are all working towards this one moment. When all of the above has been experienced and leads to the longed-for success, years of perseverance are rewarded in a few moments of bliss. These moments, when everything comes together, when all the hard work, pain and hardship culminate, are indescribable. They are the true reward for all our efforts.
From a distance, this may all seem strange and perhaps even pointless. We sailors toil day after day, navigating the open sea around a few inflatable plastic buoys in the hope of getting a piece of precious metal to hang around our necks at the end. But behind this apparent absurdity lies a profound fulfilment and immeasurable meaning.
It is the love of a challenge, the joy of perfecting our skills and the immense satisfaction we derive from constantly surpassing ourselves." Nik Willim
It is the feeling of freedom on the open sea, the play with the forces of nature and the constant striving for improvement that drives us. The precious metal that we receive at the end of a successful competition is more than just a trophy. It symbolises all the sacrifices we have made, all the pain we have endured and the countless hours of training we have put in. It symbolises the moments of triumph we experience when all the hard work bears fruit and we reach the top.
The 2028 Olympics is the goal
The dream of the Olympics is something unique, something you live for and to which you subordinate everything. A dream so strong that you are prepared to make great sacrifices. I hope I have been able to give you an insight into the importance of this sporting event for the more than 10,000 athletes competing at the Games. Each of them has their own story, their own struggles and triumphs, and yet we are all united by the same goal.
With a view to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, I will continue to do everything I can to realise this dream. Let's look forward to the coming years together and hope, especially for us German sailors, that we can crown our careers with one of these coveted medals. Our successes are not only the result of individual talent and hard work, but also the product of a strong community that stands behind us, supports us and has our backs. Together we can achieve great things and I am proud to be part of this community - on the road to LA 2028.
