ONLY SEE GREAT
Striving
For
Greatness
TAKE INSPIRATION FROM GESA ON CONQUERING THE UPS AND DOWNS TO FIND SUCCESS
August 11, 2021TAKE INSPIRATION FROM GESA ON CONQUERING THE UPS AND DOWNS TO FIND SUCCESS
August 11, 2021PUMA athlete Gesa Krause has won bronze medals in steeplechase at both the 2015 and 2019 World Championships. She just represented Germany in a furious final sprint in the 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics and ranked fifth place in the end. Based on an article published on Elle Germany, Gesa explains how she strives for greatness in her unique field and describes the mindset that has helped her to reach the top.
PUMA’s campaign is based on the concept ‘only see great’. What does greatness mean to you?
Gesa: I believe that greatness is a superpower that’s somehow hidden in any individual on this planet. Personally I strive for greatness every single day by trying to be the best version of myself. I think greatness is the skill to believe in yourself and your personal skills but also being inspired by the greatness of other humans.
What has been the greatest moment in your career so far?
Gesa: I had a few magical moments during my career. Winning the Gold medal at European Championships in front of home crowd in Berlin has been an amazing experience. However I’m even more proud about the bronze medal I won at the World Championships in Doha.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome these?
Gesa: As an athlete you’re facing challenges every single day. While pushing your body to its limits you’re facing obstacles day in and out. The biggest challenge has probably been to stay positive in the darkest moments where your body doesn’t want as your mind does. I had a period in 2018 where I was drained and exhausted due to overtraining. Staying calm and believing in my personal strength has been super challenging. At the day I succeeded over myself and defended my title at European Champs. That race has been very meaningful and showed me that giving up isn’t an option.
I believe that the mindset might be more important than your physical strength. Of course you have to be fit for a great performance but your mindset impacts your performance in a tremendous way. The most important thing is to believe because anything is possible.
Are there moments in your career when you feel like you’ve failed? How do you get over this feeling?
Gesa: I think you shouldn’t be afraid to fail, because failing is part of the process and it only makes you grow. As long as you tried and gave all you had you simply can’t fail.
How does your mindset influence your performance when training and competing?
Gesa: I believe that the mindset might be more important than your physical strength. Of course you have to be fit for a great performance but your mindset impacts your performance in a tremendous way. The most important thing is to believe because anything is possible.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
Gesa: My goal itself. The vision of making a dream become reality keeps me going every single day.
When you’re not competing, what keeps you focused?
Gesa: My dreams are present whether I compete or not. They got a part of me and I embrace to make them become reality.
