Lukas Märtens in an interview: Swimming star “surprised” by world record

Mr. Märtens, you've had the world record in the back of your mind for a while. Before the Olympics, you said there were still a few adjustments that could be made. What were they?

I was bolder in my race planning than before. I've also had two years of training now, during which I've mostly stayed healthy – that makes a huge difference. We've rethought the training itself: I don't constantly push myself to the absolute limit, but pay more attention to how much my body can actually handle at that moment. This balance is good for me, and it brings me more in the end. Additionally, my starts and turns have become more stable. And when everything comes together, I can achieve a time like that.

Did you aim for the world record that day or did you surprise yourself?

I surprised myself. I just wanted to swim a good time and compete against international competitors.

Did you realize during the race that you were heading towards a world record?

I switched off my head and swam with my heart – just by feeling. In the last 100 meters, however, I became aware of the atmosphere in the arena. I rarely hear cheers in the water, but I heard and saw this one. It gave me an extra boost.

Paul Biedermann swam the previous world record in the now-banned suit. What changed in general that allowed you to swim that time without the supportive garment? Training, technique?

I haven't changed my technique much. I try to swim long, powerful strokes; that's always been my style. But the strength training is paying off even more now. I've become more athletic, and you can see that in my starts and turns.

"Long, powerful strokes": Lukas Märtens during the world record race.

Source: IMAGO/Bildbyran

Do you have any special rituals before the race?

Yes, quite a few. For example, I pack my bag the night before so I don't get stressed on race day. I also always write a plan for when I'll be going to the gym, when I'll warm up, and when I'll swim. For this, I need to have my music on my headphones until shortly before the start. And a few breathing exercises to cheer me up or calm me down. It's all pretty well-rehearsed. It's about somehow eliminating anything that might be distracting.

Can you tell us what music you like to listen to before a race?

Just normal mainstream hits. It has to have a flow, a certain rhythm for me. I don't want to have to think about the lyrics.

Is it still possible to achieve a super time at the German Championships on Thursday or has this time been swum for this year?

Actually, the focus was on the German Championships. The fact that my form was already sufficient at such a time in Stockholm wasn't planned. I'd rather hold back and say: I want to swim a really good race in front of my home crowd in Berlin. I hope a lot of people come to the pool. I want to do my part to make swimming more popular in Germany again, especially if it can be seen live, and maybe even on TV again someday.

Ever since setting the world record, you've been the figurehead of German swimming. How do you deal with being mentioned alongside Michael Groß and Paul Biedermann?

To be honest, I don't see myself as a figurehead. I'm one of many who are contributing to the bigger picture. We're competing as Team Germany at the World Championships. Everyone has a role to play, be it Florian Wellbrock, Isabell Gose, or even me. And of course, there are others who may not be in the spotlight yet, but are just as important to the team. The focus shouldn't just be on one or a few individuals. We have so many great athletes. The entire sport of swimming benefits from this.

So they like to leave a little light for the others.

Absolutely (laughs). I'm not someone who pushes myself to the forefront. Of course, I'm happy when I receive recognition for a strong performance, like the world record—I enjoy that too, and it's simply part of it. And if I can motivate everyone else on the team with it, I'm even happier.