TÜBINGEN – “All good things come in threes” could be the motto of Julia Hochmuth. After participating in the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzen, China and the 2013 SU in Kazan, Russia, the games in Korea will be her third Universiade. In Gwangju, the sports markswoman will compete in her fifth international competition for the German University Sports Federation (adh).
Julia Hochmuth (GER) ready for her 3rd Universiade (photoklecks photographie)“I really enjoyed the events in 2011 and 2013. The hosting countries did their very best to create an unbelievable experience”, says Hochmuth. For the 27-year-old markswoman, who finished her general management degree at the University of Tübingen in 2014, the games are an important step on her way attempting to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Although there are no Olympic allotments awarded in Gwangju”, explains Hochmuth, “the Universiade is a top-level international competition. Many marksmen who also compete in the World Cup are participating, and the atmosphere is similar to small Olympics. For me, the Universiade has a high value in terms of getting the routine you need to be successful.”
To reach the ultimate goal she is currently focusing on her sport, working only part-time which gives her all the flexibilities and a clear mind. She has continued to improve in international competitions over the last couple of years with several finals appearances, most recently at the FISU WUC in Al Ain (United Arab Emirates). At the Universiade in 2011 she came in at ninth place, two years later she reached the sixth place. And in 2015? The logical conclusion has her finishing with the bronze medal.
“I like that calculation”, admits Hochmuth, who has never been to Korea.
At Naju Jeollanamdo Shooting Range, she will participate in both the 10m air pistol (40 shots), her main focus, and the 25m (30+30 shots) pistol.
“I definitely want to reach the final again. I wasn’t a good finals shooter for a long time, but this year I had some good ones. So yes, my goal is to win a medal in the 10m air pistol.”
Julia Hochmuth is one of two athletes from the University of Tübingen. The other is decathlete René Stauß. The pair from Tübingen will be joined by 16 other track and field participants.
Click this link for an updated list of the German team.
Max Länge (GER), FISU Young Reporter
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