It is not often you have the chance to pose questions to a European and World Champion swimmer, who is the former world record holder in the 200 meter breaststroke (short course). So here at Sports Tourism Media we are both excited and delighted to introduce Marco Koch, a German competitive swimmer, specialising in breaststroke events who has competed at the 2012 & 2016 Summer Olympics and took gold at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia. Marco says “I’m in my comfort zone in the water as swimming is my passion. I enjoy every second. The water unfolds my full potential. It carries and leads me. Water gives me a great feeling.” (marco-koch.org, 20 Jan 2018). We are grateful Marco has taken time out of a gruelling training regime to answer our questions…
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What was your most memorable sporting holiday and why?
Since I still am an active and professional swimmer, I mostly relax during my holidays, as the day job takes me travelling far and wide during the competition season. So when the chance presents itself to relax at home I jump at it. However, I do ride my bike and go for a run in my region whilst on holidays.
Image by Maike Wellmann
What was the best worldwide swimming location/ destination that you had a chance to compete at and why?
Rome is definitely one of my favourite pools to compete in. The location, the vibe and the fact we are swimming outdoors is simply awesome. Berlin is definitely another of my favourite pools and is a particularly special one for me because this is where I broke the world record. (On 20th November 2016, Marco stopped the clock at 2:00.44 taking .04 seconds off the previous 200 SCM breaststroke world record).
If you could choose one adrenaline or adventure activity to do on holiday what would it be and where?
It would probably be mountain climbing in Austria. The epic landscape and the challenge climbing places on the individual makes this appealing to me. The other bonus is that this type of activity is easily accessible for me as Germany neighbours Austria.
What’s the ultimate sporting tournament you would attend purely as a fan and/or spectator and why?
I really would love to experience the vibes at the Ironman in Hawaii. For obvious reasons the Iron Man World Championships cannot take place, but the organisers have done the next best thing and taken it ‘virtual’ with the 2020 Ironman VR World Championships taking place in October, so I might try and catch some of that.
Image by Maike Wellmann
As you are based in Darmstadt what are your favourite things to do when not training / competing, which you would recommend for tourists visiting the region?
Visiting Darmstadt and strolling through the city is never a bad idea, especially at it is described as a city of poets, thinkers and spaces explorers and this is reflected in the architecture, my highlights are the art nouveau Mathildhohe building, the multi-coloured ‘Waldspirale’ (Forest Spiral) building designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and the ESOC satellite Control Centre. Also, Frankfurt is a great city to walk through especially since the completion of the new Frankfurt Old Town. Since I really enjoy riding the bike, I would definitely recommend taking trips to the countryside in the region of Hessen.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt ©Darmstadt Marketing_Rüdiger Dunker
Swimming at all levels is a multi-generational activity, great for mental and physical well-being – what do you do to inspire fans to participate in your sport?
I try to let them participate as much as possible via social media (Instagram marco_koch_swimming). I keep them updated about what is going on during my career. When I am at meets or training facilities I am almost always ready for a chat with fans. Being authentic and down-to-earth is important to me and is a way I inspire the younger generation.
What attracted you to swimming growing-up?
Well I have to put that down to my brother – he started swimming in a club and I joined him and the rest as they say is history. I got in the water and ever looked back. I have really enjoyed swimming ever since!
As a professional swimmer, you must have travelled the world, does any specific country impress you through their ‘Sport Tourism’ offering (venues/ activities/ natural landscape)?
When I travel for swimming I normally unfortunately only see the pool, the hotel and the airport. There is not too much time for sightseeing. Probably one of the best training facilities is in Turkey near Antalya – the Gloria Sports Arena, which is the largest sports facility in Turkey. It is a multi-sport venue and attracts all types of sports people, clubs and disciplines https://www.gloriasportsarena.com.tr/
For more information go to www.darmstadt-tourismus.de/en & www.frankfurt-rhine-main.com
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*Header image by Maike Wellmann