Olympic Games in London. Vonarburg states:
“We always think in terms of four-year periods.
London 2012 would be my fourth Games… and
probably my last. I’ve been around for a while
now and when I see Greg Searle (GBR), I joke with
him, thanking him for making me feel so young!”
“I was an A cappella singer until 2007 but, as
the level was almost professional, I had to stop
because I didn’t have enough time. I really miss it
and will definitely take it up again after my rowing
career. Other big hobbies are climbing
and hiking. In Switzerland we have the
‘via ferrata’s’ and I really love it; I
was in Hindelberg on Monday
before the Lucerne World
Rowing Cup. For training
I also do cross country
skiing.”
the water, he not only works part-time in the Swiss
army, he also cites singing amongst his hobbies.
He adds: “I think it helps to be a sportsman
because you can focus and you are used to going
for your goals. It helps in the ‘real’ world; not that
rowing is not real but although it’s a hard job, it is
more of a passion. ”
Vonarburg did a long stint in the single from 2002
until 2009, enjoying A-final performances at
the World Rowing Cups and a ninth place
at the Beijing Olympics, before moving
back to the double sculls in 2009.
However he admits the quad
is more enjoyable: “For the
time being I enjoy every
moment and every
training session,
especially
now that
Family often plays a huge part in the lives of
international rowers. Vonarburg certainly believes
this, stating: “Having your family with you at key
events such as the Olympic Games is important
to me; my parents follow me. Now I have my own
family which will be larger in December; my wife
will give birth to our first child. I think this will
change my life. ”
Andre Vonarburg (SUI)
competing at the 2004
Olympic Games in Athens,
Greece.
After rowing,
Vonarburg
hopes to work
as a consultant and
is currently completing
several internships.
The next step for Vonarburg and the Swiss National
Team will be the 2011 World Rowing Championships
in Bled, where Vonarburg will be one race closer to
his last Olympic Games in London.
● Laura Fell/Pat Lambert.
I’m back in the quad; it’s good
fun and brings back old feelings. It’s
also a different type of competition than
the single; it’s much easier in a team.”
Vonarburg lives in Sempach, about 15 minutes from
the Swiss National Rowing Centre in Lucerne. Off
“I studied economics from 2000 to 2005.
Issue 17 – August 2011
© Dominik Keller
