After 10 years of playing for the two highest leagues, I fell sick with a deadly and widely unresearched sickness called “Morbus Wegener”. By the time doctors were able to properly diagnose my condition, the disease had spread all throughout my body. My family, friends and doctors didn’t think I would make it. As often as it is in life, the sense of purpose only finds you when you’ve  gotten beaten to the corner so bad, that you are ready to let everything go. I had to find my own personal reason to want to  continue to live.

I realized there were people around me who loved me dearly - for whom it was worth fighting for. I still had all my visions and dreams for the future. I had memories I didn’t want to loose and experiences that I still wanted to live. Despite the devastating statistics (death rate if untreated is over 90% and even with early diagnosis 40%), I was able to fully recover within 4 years and become free of any medication. I credit my willpower, family, change of nutrition and lifestyle and different therapies (*including chemotherapy) for my recovery. After being forced to stop playing basketball, I knew that I had to find a new sport that I could connect with. In the hospital, the only possibility to exercise was on a bicycle in the hall and training with my own body weight (Calisthenics). When I returned home, I began going to the gym often to build up my 15 kilos (33 lbs.) of lost muscle mass and to feel stronger. Extremely
determined, I would even go to the gym on days I had chemotherapy. This meant infusion needles in the morning and weight lifting in the afternoon. It wasn’t long until natural bodybuilding grew into my true passion. At the same time I also began digging deeper into nutrition, physical and mental health. I studied all forms of diets such as Paleo, Metabolic Balance, Low Carb, Low Fat, Ketogen, Atkins, Vegan, Vegetarian, etc. I tried and tested several diets until I found the ideal form of nutrition and way of living that suited me perfectly. Another important turning point towards my fitness career was my previous profession. As a private banker, I started questioning my former life goals and plans. I came to the conclusion that I didn’t want to hide behind screens displaying stock markets anymore. I wanted to fully commit to my true passion: Sports.

After overcoming my illness, I felt obliged to bring my story and long-time acquired knowledge to the people in need. So I began coaching basketball. But this wasn’t enough. I started attending several sports educational classes (Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanical Fundamentals, Performance Diagnostics, Sports For Diabetes & Obesity, Sports Psychology, Functional Training) and succesfully absolved the Medical Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor A & B Licence (Lvl. 4). Since then I am an Athletic-, Conditioning-, Stabilisation- & Strength Coach for professional top teams and competitive athletes, give personal trainings, create diet & workout plans and coach people who are on the verge of a burnout or struggling to find balance in life.

 

 

Today, my primary goal is not just to be successful – but inspiring and
of value for others.

 

 

 

 

*Chemotherapy is used for Leukemia / Plasmapherese, blood cleaning therapy where the plasma is exchanged / Cortisone infusion to stop rapid muscle wasting / Immune Suppressive Therapy to shut down the immune system