Monday, 19. January 2026 |
Tobias Rieder wants to enjoy the Olympics to the fullest and perform well
First, the most important question: You made your comeback on Friday and also had a lot of playing time on Sunday. How do you feel after the first two games?
Tobias Rieder: "I didn't notice the injury at all in either game, which is a very good sign. Of course, I'm still a little cautious after such a long injury break, but two appearances without any problems make me feel very positive. I'm back in the game and feeling good.“
With a goal on Friday, things didn't go too badly for you.
Rieder: ”You never know how things will go after several weeks off in real game conditions. Scoring a goal after four or five minutes was obviously the perfect start for me. I set high standards for myself, so it was a great moment."
1:0 | Comebacker Tobias Rieder meldet sich zurück
// IN-GAME-VIDEO
With weeks of break and the NHL stars participating in the Olympics, there is little room in the squad: How surprised were you yourself when you got the call from national coach Harold Kreis?
Rieder: "I had a pretty good start to the season and was already in contact with the coach. When I got injured, I approached Harry and Christian Künast (DEB sports director) myself. I wanted to ask what my chances were, so that I would know how we could work together during my rehabilitation. That's what we did. A few days before Christmas, I got the call telling me that I was in. Of course, I was a little surprised because I wasn't fit at that point. It's a great honor and I'm very grateful and happy to have this opportunity again.“
As you said, ”this opportunity again." You were also in Beijing four years ago. Back then, the whole thing was still a bit overshadowed by COVID-19. What are you most looking forward to at these Winter Games?
Rieder: “Somehow, absolutely everything (laughs). I would love to watch as many events as possible as a fan. I'm really interested to see how different it is from the 2022 Games. I just want to enjoy it to the fullest, participate as much as possible, see other events—and, of course, perform well myself.”
Have you already checked which events fit into your schedule? Fabio Wagner told us that speed skating might be a good option for you.
Rieder: "Anything that takes place in ice rinks is definitely an option for us. We did something similar in Beijing. Unfortunately, the skiing events in Cortina are relatively far away. In the end, our daily schedule will determine which events are convenient for us to attend. Most sports are not something you see every day—especially not live. That's why I would prefer to see everything."
Will you also have the opportunity to see the city outside of the events? Have you ever been to Milan?
Rieder: “Of course I've been to Milan before, but that was on a school exchange in fourth grade (laughs). So I don't remember it very well. My wife and child are also going to Milan for a week – I would of course like to enjoy the city with them. But even there, we'll decide a lot of things at short notice.”
Your rehabilitation is complete and you're back on the ice. Are you preparing specifically for the Olympics, or does the daily routine of the league not allow for that?
Rieder: “We always have to be in top shape and push ourselves to our limits. That's no different for the Olympics than it is for the DEL. We prepare 100 percent for every game, and that carries over seamlessly to the Olympics. So the preparation isn't necessarily any different.”
Have you already discussed with the national coach what role you will play in the team or what line combinations are possible?
Rieder: “No, we haven't discussed that yet. That will probably happen during the preparations at the Olympic camp in Bolzano.”
Regardless of the fact that all the NHL stars are participating this year, the Olympics are and remain the biggest sporting event in the world. What is so special about it for you as an athlete?
Rieder: "The best athletes in the world from all kinds of disciplines come together. I think that's what makes it so special. It's not ‘just’ an ice hockey world championship or a ski world cup. The world's best winter athletes are in one city. That's why I'm really looking forward to my time in the Olympic Village. You get to know other athletes, exchange ideas, and watch other sports on site. That makes it the biggest event you can experience as an athlete."
Have fun and good luck, Tobi!
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