Worldchampion Daniel Fetz – Argentina 2019

Wow, I’m thrilled because of the great feedback and all the congratulations – many, many thanks! It’s cool to see that so many people are exited together with me. So deeply moved, especially because it wasn’t an easy or short journey.

18 years ago, when the first Cable Wakeboard World Championships took place I was only 16 and felt like I could compete with the world’s elite. At the second Worlds in Australia (2003) I already reached the 2nd place. Inspired by this feeling, the dream was to become world champion was born.

I always tried to reach this goad even though the road was rocky. Actually I’m the only wakeboarder in the world who has taken part in all world championships so far. (see list below)

At the Worlds at home in Austria, I even had the tricks for the win in the bag, but I couldn’t stand the pressure in the final in front of 3,000 fans and unfortunately fell at the first trick. This was the biggest disappointment and I fell into low that took weeks to pass.

At the World Championships in Mexico, I was leading the qualifiers, but due to a mistake in the final, it was only 1 point that separated me from the dream of becoming world champion.

I’ve learned that at the start dock in a World Cup final everything is possible! The feeling and the tension are something very special! Staying focussed and delivering a top performance is not easy.

What helped me a lot was the Wim Hof method. For the past four months I have been preparing intensively for the moment at the start dock with ice baths, cold showers and breathing exercises and this time I was so relaxed, focused and strong as never before. 

Not only the quick regeneration it awesome (like zero muscle ache this time), it also teaches you how to influence your autonomic nervous system, stay calm in a stressful situation, and keep your vitals stay normal.

And four months earlier, my dear wife came across the movie „What the Health“ and decided to cook vegan only at home (extra delicious – I’ll leave every roast pork for that!).

And for me it makes so much sense to live without meat, eggs and milk. You do not need animal protein or have you ever heard of someone who got sick because of protein deficiency?

The poor animals get the proteins only from the plants with the help of photosynthesis.

By eating meat you miss much more minerals, fiber and vitamins. The body is permanently acidified and busy extracting minerals from the organs, hair, bones and so on to buffer this hyperacidity and to keep the blood pH basic. Thanks to the vegan diet, my body feels even better than it did 10 years ago. Let’s see how long the journey will take!

The conditions for European riders were partly difficult at this World Cup, as the competition took place during the offseason. Despite freezing temperatures and snow, I went to the water about 1-2 times a week to train and stay in shape. What made it so much easier for me is that we moved to Steyregg and now I only need 4 minutes to get to the lake.

I even so crazy enouth to travel to Argentina 3 weeks before the World Cup for only 4 days to put my run together, which I could later practice mentally. At the actual Competition I only had a training of about 20 minutes.

Weel, I guess I’ve really optimized pretty much everything I can think of

(Nutrition, mind, residence, training) to achieve my goal – and it was worth it! I am still totally flashed and endlessly happy that my dream has come true!

What now?

To finalize a goal that I’m working on since 2009: to develop a better judging system. I’ve personally been there so often or have watched others how bad and unfair incomprehensible referee decisions are. In the future, I would like to spare this suffering to riders all over the world and give something back to the sport. Watch out for iJudge!

Wakeboarding has changed my life. I’m able to experience so many beautiful encounters, to see beautiful and diverse places, to make friends and to gather impressions. Also, I have found my vocation in it and I am wakeboard coach with all my heart on my own home base. I’m looking forward to everything that will come along this journey and to be able to share it with you.

From the Heart
Fetzy

Here are some nice words from my father, to whom I owe a lot. Edwin has always left me as I am, he has supported and encouraged me. Thank you, Paps!

Edwin Fetz:

DONE 👍😍👏

AUSTRIA has a WORLD CHAMPION in the WAKEBOARDEN.

„Do not look at what your country can do for you,
But look what YOU can DO for your country. “
John F. Kennedy

A great success to be proud of. It is something very special to be the WORLD’s BEST in a discipline.

This example nicely shows that SUCCESS is what HAPPENS when you:

1: Doing something that makes a BIG FUN.

2: Do not let yourself be bothered by MISSING.
(Daniel has been VIZE World Champion twice.)

3: Set yourself a clear goal that you can BELIEVE to and that you NEED
would like to reach.

4: The indomitable WILL achieve his GOAL and always do something.
Daniel is not just in the summer. But also trained in winter with ice and snow.
„The word I WILL is powerful, says one soft and quiet,
the stars rip from the sky, the little word I WANT. “

Johann Wolfgang Goethe

WMs:

2001 Duisburg (GER) – 6. Place

2003 Australien – 2. Place

2005 Budapest -11. Place (first time Open Men)

2006 Österreich – 8. Place

2008 Russland – 7. Place

2010 Neubrandenburg – 15. Place

2012 Philippinen – 11. Place

2014 Norwegen – 9. Place

2016 Mexico – 2. Place (first time Masters / 30+)

2019 Argentinien – 1. Place

WM media pictures here for DOWNLOAD >>

Thanks to @eignerphoto

2019 // LT 1 Fernsehbericht Fetzy Weltmeister