Interview with compass coach Evelyn Simon about her protégé Annett Kaufmann, whose success comes from a mixture of talent, personal growth and a strong support system. With her ultimate goal being the Olympics, she’s on a great path headed to there.

The team did not compete in its best line-up at the European Championships and still the girls won gold. What is the secret behind this impressive title?

“The all-important aspect was the team spirit! You could already see that during the preparatory training sessions. The girls were eager to play together and form a unit. Nina Mittelham took over the leading position from Petrissa Solja- who had to cancel shortly before the European Championships due to illness- in a terrific way.

I had never seen Sabine Winter before but she played in the final so well, and the performances of Chantal Mantz were incredibly spirited and superior. It all came together as it should – everything came at the right time and the players’ team spirit was really very impressive.”

Annett was thrown straight into the deep water in the first group match against Slovakia. How did she do in your eyes?

“From my point of view, terrific! A masterful performance. She was certainly very nervous at her first international appearance in the women’s singles but she didn’t show any weakness at all. Annett was picked up by the team and was able to play freely thanks to the support from behind the scenes and win the match with confidence.”

Tamara Boros coached Annett at the Youth European Championships three years ago in Cluj, now also in the women’s – how well do the two know each other and what can you tell us about the responsible national coach? 

“Tamara is growing very well with Annett right now. The four-time Olympian can give Annett a lot from her own experience as a player and coach. Especially the ability to make the right decisions in the decisive moments. 

Tamara as a person is very calm, very empathetic and can put herself in the players’ shoes very well, and she is very goal-oriented. I think Annett already gets along very well with Tamara, and I have no doubt that it will only get better through the years as they grow more familiar.”

Annett’s first stage is over, she has had a taste of the international women’s game. What comes next?

“Annett has presented herself excellently in her first international assignment. In the future the goal should be that she plays internationally with the women! Be it at WTT tournaments or other tournaments in the national team. The first step has been taken and a wonderful one at that. Thanks to a wildcard, Annett can compete at the U21 European Championships in Belgium in November and then we’ll see further ahead, always looking step by step.”

This is the fourth European Championship title for Annett in one year – we remember the Youth European Championships in the summer where Annett won gold in team, doubles and singles. What makes her so successful? 

“There is not so much you can say – she is just so incredibly good. Annett takes more and more responsibility for her own game and she is able to process victory and defeat much better than three years ago. She also has a top team around her and the support of her family and the coaches especially gives her the security to focus on developing her game.”

The goal, which Annett has now also expressed publicly in an interview, has not changed in recent years: Olympic Games in Los Angeles or even Paris? 

“The titles this year are the logical consequence of all the joint efforts and the European Championship title of the women is the delicious icing on the cake. With that in mind, Annett’s homework is clear: continue to develop and have patience. She needs even more independence and personal responsibility, like sometimes doing what you don’t feel like doing in training. If you’re in a bad mood, try to train well anyway, and if you train badly, say to yourself, that’s okay too, but at least I still did my best. 

She’s on a very good path and we’re proud to be able to accompany and support her on her way.”