Kurpfalz News

Olympic medalist Anna-Maria Wagner as a guest

Kurpfalz Boarding School: High School & Secondary School Kurpfalz News Olympic medalist Anna-Maria Wagner as a guest

In October, the Kurpfalz boarding school hosted a special visit as part of the lecture series “Strong Role Models – Strong Children”: Anna-Maria Wagner, two-time Judo world champion, Olympic medalist in the weight class up to 78 kilograms, and flag bearer for the German team at the Olympic Games in Paris, stood on our stage – and spoke openly, reflectively, and impressively about her journey to the top of the world.

In the conversation with Ms. König, she spoke about her upbringing in Weingarten (Baden-Württemberg), her first experiences with judo at the age of seven – and about a goal that she has pursued steadfastly for many years. On her journey, she was a student at a boarding school: at the Olympic Training Center in Stuttgart, where she successfully combined school and competitive sports.

But the conversation was not only about medals, successes, and great moments, but especially about the spaces in between: about doubts, injuries, mental crises – and about the courage to talk about them as well.

One of the most remarkable moments of the evening was her recounting of the struggle for the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Actually, she only had one functional arm, the other was injured – nonetheless, she faced the challenge and won. “I knew: This is my only chance. And I wanted to take it.” This moment symbolizes what sets Anna-Maria Wagner apart: fighting spirit, determination, willpower, and discipline.

Particularly moving were her honest words about the time after Tokyo. Instead of pure joy, a phase of inner emptiness followed – the so-called post-Olympic depression. She often spoke about the challenge of reorienting oneself after pursuing a big goal, and about how much patience and strength it takes to accept this aspect of success and to grow from it.

For the audience in the room, this encounter was more than just a story of successes. It was a conversation with a determined, confident, and thoughtful athlete who demonstrated that true strength is not only visible on the mat – but especially in the ability to be honest with oneself and to believe in oneself despite all challenges.

We thank Anna-Maria Wagner for her visit, her openness, and the strong impression she left – and we wish her all the best from the heart for all that is to come.