Meet the Olympians Going For Gold At Business School, After Taking The Sports World By Storm

• Name: Sonja Zimmerman
• Sport: Field Hockey – competed at Tokyo 2020 (in 2021) and will compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• Representing: Germany
• Studies: Bachelor in Business Administration graduate of Mannheim Business School. Currently a Bachelor in Cultural Studies and Business Administration student at the University of Mannheim

Can you describe your journey to becoming an Olympian?

It’s been a long road! I started playing field hockey at the age of five after I watched the German women team winning gold in 2004 in Athens. Ever since then, I‘ve been dreaming of the Olympics. At the eight years old, I went to Mannheimer Hockeyclub in order to follow that dream. Commuting while going to school in another city was always a big challenge and sleep came short here and there.

A key moment was when the German Coach called me when I was 17 and asked me whether I wanted to join the DANAS for my first camp. From that moment I knew: Everything is possible and I am really close to fulfilling my dream!

What does a typical day look like for you as an Olympic athlete?

For the last year, I have highly focused on hockey. I have my first training session in the morning, study a little bit in the afternoon, and have my second session in the evening. 

What would you describe as your greatest achievement in sport? 

Individually, I would say participation in the Olympics. As a team, when we finished 4th in the World Cup! But I am hoping for the greatest achievement to come this summer.

What made you decide to pursue a business degree during your career as an athlete? 

It has always been important to me not to focus too much on one thing, but to have various pillars to rely on. This way, I don’t approach things too rigidly and can develop myself in different areas.

In the end, I guess sports and studies enrich each other. Because skills you learn in a top-level sport, like discipline or stress resilience, will also help you during your studies, and also the other way around.

How do you see your future career developing with the combination of your athletic achievements and your business education?

I aim to leverage the qualities acquired from my sports and business experiences to drive innovation and create positive change both within and outside an organisation. I will start working in a big company very soon that is happy to support me in continuing my athletic career.

“I would say that discipline, ambition, and team work are all highly applicable to my business studies. They help me to stay focused and motivated and also to collaborate effectively with peers.”

These are opportunities that I am truly grateful for, as they enable me to pursue both my professional and athletic goals.

What skills or lessons from your sports career do you find most applicable to your business studies and why?

I would say that discipline, ambition, and team work are all highly applicable to my business studies. They help me to stay focused and motivated and also to collaborate effectively with peers.

What advice would you give to other athletes considering pursuing higher education or a career in business?

I would recommend athletes not to be intimidated by harsh and stressful periods but to focus on the positive outcomes. Pursuing higher education or a career in business alongside high-level sports can be challenging, but overcoming these challenges can lead to significant personal growth and development. It’s about embracing the journey and using each experience to become a stronger and more resilient individual.

Interview by Peter Remon

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