Olympic Sprinter Alexandra Burghardt’s winning formula
For many pro athletes, it’s only when training ends that the day really begins. Alexandra Burghardt opens up about finding balance.
Words by Robert Birnbaum. Photography by Janosch Abel and Lea Kurth.
Step 1: Ignite Passion
“I was pretty good at tennis as a child, but I was always better at running track,” Alexandra Burghardt remembers. “I especially liked being faster than the boys in school.” she adds, unable to hold back her charming laugh.
And so, sprinting became an early passion for young Alexandra. And it wasn’t long before she was leaving her competitors in the dust over 100 meters, whether there were hurdles on the track or not. First, at the national U20 championships and soon after at international competitions.
“The experiences I was able to have as a 16 year-old – like flying to competitions in Japan without my parents – made me independent quite early. Looking back, it was a gift, really.”
It was while studying business and media that running track went from pastime to potential profession for Alexandra. After finishing her degree, she began devoting her whole life to the sport: “It truly is a full-time job. I try to get eight hours of sleep, then train for three hours. After that, I go to physiotherapy, see my chiropractor, rehab.” And there’s more, as other tasks require the same amount of attention: photo shoots, sponsor appearances “...and doing my taxes,” she adds, partly joking, partly painfully serious.
Step 2: Find Balance
“You can’t fit it all under one roof,” Alexandra admits. “There simply are things you have to do without.” Social relationships have to take a back seat. “I skipped so many birthday parties, weddings and girls’ nights out because I was training or traveling to competitions.”
To make this work, an understanding support system is key: “I’m incredibly thankful for the understanding my friends and family keep showing me. One day, this part of my life will come to an end. When that day comes, I can hopefully give something back to them.”
Does Alexandra, a true family person, ever regret choosing life as a pro athlete?
“It’s the price I have to pay. But what the sport gives me in return is more than worth it. All these beautiful moments, all the doors it has opened for me. Sometimes I forget how amazing a life I’m living because of the sport. I’m living my dream.”
Step 3: Switch Off
Since her breakthrough in 2021, including a German national championship title and an appearance at the Olympic Games, a lot has happened for Alexandra. She moved from Germany to Switzerland, got married, and also won silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics as a bobsled pusher. Alexandra’s height and speed meant the German Bobsled Federation had long coveted her services, but only after the 2021 Olympics was she able to accommodate the temporary switch before returning to the track.
It seems counterintuitive that so many major life events would coincide with the biggest sporting success. Alexandra sees it differently.
“I think only those who are happy can be successful. I’m happy when I’m surrounded by my family, my husband, my dog Elli and my friends. If I were to block all that out to focus more on my sport, I’d be missing something that gives me immense strength.”
It also helps that Alexandra’s new home in Zurich offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, not least on the banks of Lake Zurich, “I’m still discovering the city. But as soon as the sun comes out, it’s just amazing to be by the water. No matter where, as long as you’re by the water.”
Step 4: Stay Hungry
In 2021, Alexandra’s expectations changed. By securing the German national outdoor championship over 100m and 200m, as well as competing at the Olympics, she achieved some of her biggest goals.
“Of course, a certain relaxation sets in after that. But more importantly, I realized I still have plenty of goals left to achieve. I remain hungry for more.” However, focusing so intently on the future can make it hard to look back and see how far you’ve come. “Sometimes, I realize that I don’t look back enough to celebrate what I have accomplished so far. Teenage-me would never have believed I’ll be where I am today.”
At 29, Alexandra has no intention of slowing down:
“I’m a 24/7-athlete, not only when training. I optimize each of my 24 hours to be the fastest in those 11 seconds [Alexandra’s 100m P.R. is 11.01 seconds]. I want to be sprinting for as long as I enjoy it and my body can keep up. I want to push it as hard as I can. I want to be able to say ‘I couldn’t have given it any more.’”
Until this day comes, Alexandra will fine tune those 11 seconds that stand in between her and the next success with heart and soul. Yet, she knows her life won’t always be like it is today.
“I’m looking forward to facing new challenges after my career. I’d like to start a family one day. I’m looking forward to not being the focal point of our vacation planning. To the day when I can put other people’s plans ahead of mine. Waking up in the morning and not immediately checking my vitals on my smartwatch.”
