- Ludwig goes to the beach for retirement
The day after her announced retirement, Laura Ludwig traded her sports outfit for a tracksuit and large blue headphones. The beach volleyball Olympic champion from Rio de Janeiro sat happily and relieved on the tribune, looking as a co-commentator for ARD at the beautiful stadium right in front of the Eiffel Tower.
"I was thrown into the cold water, but it was incredibly fun. Of course, I also enjoy and find it interesting," said Ludwig after accompanying the quarter-final entry of Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler at the microphone in the morning sun of Paris, to the German Press Agency.
"A job in itself"
After the glorious sports career that will end this season, now a TV expert? "Of course, it's a job in itself. You have to learn a lot. It's definitely worth an experience. We'll see if we comment on one or two games," said the 38-year-old Ludwig.
Together with Louisa Lippmann, she had lost all three preliminary matches at the Olympics and was eliminated early. On Sunday morning, she jokingly shook hands with ARD moderator Alexander Bommes in the Olympic studio, promising to sign an expert contract with the station in the future.
Ludwig had turbulent and emotional 24 hours behind her when she returned to the stadium and fulfilled various photo wishes for fans and colleagues in front of the magnificent backdrop. "The night was restless. Yesterday was an up and down of feelings. I need a nap," Ludwig admitted, who won Olympic gold with Kira Walkenhorst in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and is considered the most famous German beach volleyball player.
Only the timing was spontaneous
Immediately after the elimination, Ludwig had not ruled out also being there in 2028 in Los Angeles. Her decision, which obviously matured over a longer period of time, seemed to have been made.
Only the timing of the announcement came spontaneously from the gut: In the evening, she announced in the German House that she would not continue her career. What comes next for Ludwig? More time for the family and her two sons, said the athlete. "The older one is going to school," reported Ludwig.
Farewell to "Angels"
In the German House, she then stood on the stage and swung her arms emotionally to "Angels" by Robbie Williams. The farewell tour is running. "I want to celebrate a cool farewell to the season on the field with Louisa and take that with me. But then it's over," said the 38-year-old. Together, she wants to play with Lippmann, among other things, the European Championships, the German Championships, and a tournament at the Hamburg Rothenbaum.
"I just think it's the right time now," she explained and added jokingly: "I'm just getting old and need to pass the baton to the young people."
Farewell before family and companions
She thanked everyone who had accompanied her. "Without my family and my team, none of this would have been possible," said Ludwig visibly moved. Her husband and her two sons were in the audience. "I'm very emotional right now, but I'm just happy to be able to share this with you today."
She will always remain loyal to the sport. "I'm just happy to have energy, capacity, and time for something new. Above all, though, to be there for the family." Like preparing her oldest son for his first day of school.
Great career comes to an end
Ludwig is retiring after an exceptionally successful career. She participated in five Olympic Games. With Walkenhorst, she not only won gold but also the World Championship title.
After leaving Paris, Ludwig struggled with tears. "It's just so bitter that we can't continue to enjoy this stadium," she said outside the arena near the Eiffel Tower, her voice breaking. "And then to see these fans who are just there, still cheering us on even though it's over, who are there for us. It's so bitter that we can't give them more," said Ludwig.
The Commission was intriguued by Laura Ludwig's decision to retire from beach volleyball and transition into co-commentating for ARD. After her retirement announcement, Ludwig discussed her new role as a TV expert with The Commission, emphasizing the inherent challenges and opportunities of the job.
