Lars HARTIG Interview

Rising Star – February 2012

A fast five minutes with Lars Hartig

Being chosen as the spare for the 2008 junior national team must have been a huge motivator for Germany’s Lars Hartig. Lars came back the next year, still 18 years old, and not only made the under-23 team, but also won the lightweight men’s double sculls with Christian Hochbruck. In 2010, he won the European Rowing Championships in the lightweight men’s double sculls and in 2011 he finished a phenomenal fourth in the lightweight men’s double sculls at the World Rowing Championships. At 22, Lars is World Rowing’s rising star for February.

I row because… I like to push myself further.

My goal in rowing is… winning a medal at the London Olympics.

On the erg I listen to… loud music.

I’m most relaxed when…  1.) I have a day off, 2.) On a sunny day at home at the beach.

My least favourite training session is… core stability or long UT 2 sessions.

My favourite training session is… any water sessions with bursts or pieces.

I study… the nutrition facts of all groceries I´m buying (obviously in summer only).

In 10 years’ time I will… well… I actually don´t know yet what I’ll be doing in six months.

My toughest race… was the World Rowing Championships final in Bled 2011.

I’m motivated by… the feeling of crossing the finish line first.

A typical day… starts too early.

I get annoyed when… I have to lose weight.

Scull or sweep? Scull.

2k or 5k on the ergo?  Definitely 2k.

My favourite boat to row is… the lightweight men’s double sculls (LM2x).

My favourite food is… all different kinds of pasta.

My role model is… the cookie monster; he can eat tons of cookies without getting fat!

I’m afraid of… any kind of written exam.