<< Christoph Schärer
      filled with zest for action in Athens’ Olympic Hall

WZ: Often one can hear the slogan, participating is everything. That doesn’t apply to you?

Christoph Schärer: Actually, I don’t go to Athens just to take part in Olympic Games. My personal aim is to make the final, to place among the best eight gymnasts. If that happens, everything will be possible, even a medal. I strongly believe in the impossible, if I wouldn’t I could stay at home.

A fair believe doesn’t suffice for a medal.
All I need is a good day, good luck and a perfect routine. My performance in Athens is the result – or, perhaps, the reward– for my long lasting hard work.

A work that demands great discipline. Thirty seconds decide on success or failure.
Victory or defeat are close to each other. An artistic gymnast has to master his body well and also to handle the pressure. A tiny step too much, a too awry toe, and all labour was to no avail. Therefore, it’s important to remain down to earth before and after a competition. The sport isn’t everything and a failure doesn’t mean the end of the gymnastic career.

Your gymnastics career started in the gym club Zäziwil...
Actually, even earlier. The foundation stone was laid by my father when he coached me to do a handstand in the living room. He was in charge of the gymnastics squad of the gym club, that’s why I joined so easily.

Have you always been a first-rate talent?
In the past I was quite small and didn’t perform very well on high bar. Then I grew and improved.

Today the high bar is your favourite apparatus.
Things change. The quality of my high bar routine is higher than the ones on pommel horse or parallel bars. At first sight it doesn’t look like a world-class routine. Whereas others integrate five spectacular flight elements, I show only one. In this way I dose my risk and can perform my routine in perfection. Less can be more.

You are a perfectionist, then.
Yes, generally I am more a type of a «Tüpflischisser» [stickler].

And also a loner?
Yes, certainly. When you stand in front of the judges, nobody can help you. You are alone and completely rely on yourself. Of course, it’s also important to have a team at your side.

How important is the family and the private environment?
Both is of highest importance, actually they’re nuts and bolts. The family sees everything and bears it with you. My parents escort me to Athens, that’s great. And my girlfriend is very understanding, too. During the week I live in Magglingen. In Grosshöchstetten I only stay at weekends, if there’s no competition taking place. I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many good people.

For almost four years now you are a professional gymnast and you put all your eggs in the basket artistic gymnastics. How does your weekly schedule look like?
Per week I train 30 hours, and there’re various competitions on weekends. Every day there’re two training units, however, recreational time is also important. Artistic Gymnastics is time-consuming, a full-time job, if you want to join the top.

What is this certain aspect of artistic gymnastics you are so very fascinated with, that you give everything for it?
That you have to reach perfection in your course of motions. I am amazed over and over again, what a body can bear. I’m fascinated by pushing every single day to my limits and to extend these continuously.

How long will your body be able to endure these exertions?
I’m planning to take part in the next Olympics in four years time. That would be optimal. Of course, it can suddenly happen that the body says no. For sure I’ll abide by gymnastics after my career and, perhaps, I’ll study sport science.

Translated by Florian Schmid-Sorg
Source: emmentalnet - das webportal fürs emmental
Photos, design: gymmedia

... powered by:

Christoph Schaerer:
High bar Bronze
Euro Champs 2004,
Ljubljana

Swiss Olympic
Team Ranking
... 11. Platz 1992

All-around1992)
... 25. Michael Engeler

Finales:

Dieter Rehm (2000)
7. High bar; 8. Vault

<< back to
"OLYMPIC YEAR 2004"