After the Olympics, the desire to have children comes — Brenner talks about her future

Nina Brunner and her partner Tanja Hüberli won Olympic medals at the Steinhausen Games. Now Brenner wants to put his private life in the foreground — just temporarily?

Raphael Biermeier/ch media

Four kids and a job as an elementary school teacher? When asked where she sees herself eight years from now, Nina Brenner replies: “Neither.” She sits in a café in Steinhausen. This is where she grew up and where she and her beach volleyball partner Tanja Hüberli will be honored later today.

The local volleyball club, with support from the community and private donors, organized an event over the summer to celebrate winning an Olympic bronze medal. 300 people will come to the community center. Brenner and Huberli will then sign autographs within an hour and a half.

Eight years ago, in 2016, Nina Brunner was also sitting in the cafe in question. At the time, she spoke of her buried dream of becoming an elementary school teacher to support her sports career. She has just found a new partner in Tanja Hüberli. She said today that she had not thought what came next was possible: six Swiss championships, two European championships, two elite championship victories, countless medals, but one stands out: an Olympic medal.

Nina Brunner (right) and her long-term partner Tanja Hüberli.Image: Swiss Style

It is a quick review of a stage of life that may have ended, its occupation corresponding to a life of its own. Brenner recently decided to focus on family planning rather than event planning. “I know it's my decision, but I don't feel it yet,” the 29-year-old explained publicly. “As soon as Tanya starts training without me, I'll probably notice.” Hüberli continues her career with Leona Kernen.

My thoughts have been swirling for three years

Brenner didn't take this step lightly. «Nina is a person who takes a long time to make decisions. But when she meets one, she's convinced of it. ” said the person who knew her longest: her mother Christine. Nina Brenner chose the same words. “I've known for a long time that I wanted children. “The decision-making process started three years ago, after the Tokyo Olympics. They all ended in disappointment. Brenner/Huberli lost in the round of 16 to compatriots Heydrich/Vergé-Depree.

Going forward, Brenner will focus on his private life.Image: trapezoid

The European Cup title that followed soon gave the pair new impetus. Giving in to the desire to have children may require waiting a while. Now, after winning an Olympic bronze medal and winning the next two editions, she has a rare opportunity to reach the top and emerge as a winner. There is no suspicion of substitution in this step; it is the result of free choice. “I’m glad I made this decision with a positive attitude,” Brenner said.

She left the door open for a comeback. In a media release about her decision, there was talk of “leaving top flight sport”. The world of beach volleyball has a great example of someone who successfully returned to sport after starting a family: Laura Ludwig of Germany, who won an Olympic gold medal in 2016. She subsequently gave birth to two children and continued to compete at a world-class level until her retirement this summer. “So far, I can imagine playing again,” Nina Brenner said. “But I am also clear that the domestic situation must allow this, and the sports horoscope must be correct.” So the right partner can be free.

This ability extends beyond sports. In Tanja Hüberli, Brunner not only found a playmate, but also a friend. She previously formed a duo with her childhood friend Nicole Eiholzer from Steinhausen for eight years. Over the next few years, Nina Brunner worked with her new partner to learn something fundamental about getting ahead in competitive sports: Talking honestly about even unpleasant things. It wasn't easy for them at first, especially since they “desperately need harmony.”

She discovered unknown properties

A beach volleyball partnership is a completely interdependent, very close relationship between two people. Furthermore, expressing emotions is itself a revealing act of intimacy. “It's important to show others your vulnerability,” says Nina Brenner. “It builds mutual trust.” She learned this while also doing To do the exact opposite: to demonstrate dominance, belief and invincibility.

Introverted psychology student Nina Brunner explains that this actually goes against her personality, too. But it’s also an essential quality to succeed in sports. The same applies to ignoring doubts, especially in sports where good fortune and misfortune alternate every minute. Nina Brenner said a mental trainer helped her. Eventually they all internalize it. The resurrection at the Olympics is the perfect example. Just one day after being eliminated in the semi-finals, they won the bronze medal match in impressive fashion.

The joy of Paris is great.Image: fxp-fr-sda-rtp

After match point, they went straight to the stands to see outgoing head coach Christoph Diekmann. Brunner's family and her husband, professional ice hockey player Damien Brunner from EHC Biel, were also seated there. They have been married for more than ten years and got married three years ago. Will this help her decide to find a partner who is also involved in competitive sports? “He has no influence on that, that’s my business,” Nina Brenner said with a smile, adding: “If I decide to continue playing, Damian will support and understand every decision I make. “

Where does she really see herself eight years from now? “I wanted a family. And to find something that fulfilled me, like sports did,” Nina Brenner concluded. At first she replied: “I won't play again – although at 37 that's not impossible.” Maybe she just wanted a break. (riz/aargauerzeitung.ch)

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