Under Pressure is this Fighter’s Sweet Spot Lorena Brandl

Lorena Brandl claimed a gold medal for Germany at the Manchester 2022 World Taekwondo Grand Prix - and reckons there is more precious metal to come.

Brandl’s journey to gold in the W+67kg competition in October was a path strewn with challenges as she was still recovering from an injury suffered at the European Taekwondo Championships in May.

“I was not yet 100 percent Lorena, and it wasn’t until June onwards, at the Grand Prix in Rome, that things started to get better,” said Brandl.

At the Grand Prix in both Rome and Paris, Brandl missed out on the medals, finishing fifth. But she was determined to go all the way.

“I just missed out on the medals, twice. But this showed me that there wasn’t much missing anymore until I would reach the next step!” she said. “Together with my coaches, we optimised our weekly plans. My goal was to finally achieve a medal!”

The arrival of Germany’s new national coach, Balazs Toth, was a positive influence alongside her club coach, Bernhard Bruckbauer, who has trained her since the beginning. “Balazs

Toth has helped me to improve even more,” Brandl said. “He has really worked out a good concept and has brought in new and helpful exercises.”

She had to overcome a familiar opponent in her Grand Prix battle in Manchester: GB’s Bianca Cook. But feeling physically fit and mentally strong, it was to be Brandl’s story of redemption. She let us into her mindset.

“It was just my day - I was so focused and mentally very stable! This was also my strength against Bianca. I wanted to finally win this fight against her, and knew I was ready for it. Of course, it was a very tough fight, but I was so focused and very well prepared thanks to Balazs and Bernhard.”

Brandl has also worked with Antje Heimsoeth, a mental coach, over the past two years to better learn how to cope with the psychological pressure of elite sport.

Germany’s Taekwondo star is now fully focused on her preparations for the 2022 World Taekwondo Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.

She welcomes the added expectation for success. “Welcome to the world of pressure!” she said.