Jannik Schaufler

Jannik Schaufler is one of triathlon’s hottest properties who is striving to prove himself on and off the race course. Jannik grew up focussed on soccer rather than triathlon, enjoying the team aspect of the sport but already showing a keen desire to be the best he could be. Realising a career as a professional soccer player was unlikely to happen, Jannik channelled his competitiveness into triathlon, a sport he was introduced to by his father.

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The pair attended their local triathlon club near where they lived in Ravensburg, Germany, and Jannik discovered the joy of pushing himself to his limits. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that at the age 16 he made the big decision to move to boarding school in Freiburg to not only finish his exams but also concentrate harder on triathlon. He made another switch to the national training centre in Saarbrücken to join the best triathletes in Germany and also study for a Bachelor in economics and law at the local university. Progress was rapid and in 2016 Jannik was crowned the Under-23 German champion.

However, there followed a period of injuries, including surgery on a torn meniscus, as well as the retirement of his coach, leading Jannik to contact Philipp Seipp, coach of long-distance legends such as Sebastian Kienle, who has gone on to be a friend and mentor. Philipp saw potential in Jannik and agreed to take him on. The results have been spectacular. Within months Jannik was runner-up at the 2018 Under-23 European Championships.

In 2019 there were podium spots at elite level Continental Cup races in Asia, America and Europe, and a run focus during the COVID pandemic saw impressive new pbs of 14:22 for 5k and 29:49 for 10k. Jannik’s work with Philipp has seen a focus on the mental as well as the physical side, something Jannik is keen on as he tries to balance triathlon life with interests outside of the sport.

That includes studying for a Masters degree in Finance, publishing a book and hosting his own podcast ‘Leistung Neu Denken.