Interview with Gian-Luca Gartmann, Elite Swimmer and IFBC Athlete

Development starts when individuals step outside their comfort zone to grow beyond their limits. Whether in sports or business, it takes ambition, openness, and dialog to enable a steep learning curve, build mental strength, and demonstrate attitude. But sustainable success can only be achieved in an environment that promotes and protects. Gian-Luca Gartmann, IFBC athlete and elite swimmer, shares insights into his personal journey to the global stage. Between training discipline, competition pressure, and inner balance, he shows that athletic success goes far beyond medals and record times.

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Let’s start from the beginning – who are you?

I’m Gian-Luca Gartmann and I’ve been a member of the Uster Swimming Club since I was seven. Ever since I can remember, swimming has been a major part of my already very active life. I love moving around, even in my free time – whether it’s camping with friends or tinkering in my dad’s workshop.

What motivates you every day – what gets you out of bed in the morning?

It’s the feeling swimming gives me – the high after finishing a race and realizing that all the hard work, the discipline, and the early mornings have paid off. That exact feeling is what I get up early for – because it fulfills me and shows me that commitment is worth it.

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«That feeling is why I get up early every day – it fulfills me and proves that effort pays off.»

What does a typical training day look like – in and out of the water?

I get up at 6 a.m. and have breakfast before heading to the indoor pool at 7. After a short warm-up, my first swim session runs from about 7:30 to 9 a.m., where I cover 4 to 7 kilometers depending on the season. After that, I stretch and enjoy a second breakfast at home.

In the afternoon, strength training begins at 3:15 p.m., followed by the second swim session from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Afterward, I stretch again – and end the day with dinner and sleep.

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What drives you to keep pushing your limits?

The biggest motivation for me is the joy of swimming. Every time I take a break from training, I realize how much I miss the water – it reminds me how important this sport is to me. Traveling to training camps and international competitions is also a huge motivator. The experiences and memories I gain give me extra energy to give my all in everyday training.

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Swimming requires deep focus – how do you handle mental pressure, especially before key competitions?

Mental strength is incredibly important in swimming, which is why I work regularly on mental training. I learn simple techniques to sharpen my focus and block out negative thoughts. Every athlete develops their own rituals that help them stay grounded – and I have mine too. They give me confidence and help me find my focus just before the start.

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Were there moments in your career when you doubted yourself? How did you deal with them?

Yes, absolutely. In those moments, I deliberately focused on the joy of swimming. The support and presence of my friends in the sport helped me immensely. They gave me strength and motivation to keep going – even when things were tough.

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«I focus on the joy of swimming – it helps me through the tough times.»

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What role does your environment play in your path to the world elite?

My family, friends, and coaching team play a central role in my sporting journey – many things would not be possible without them. They are not only an emotional anchor, but also give me strength in moments when things aren’t going smoothly.

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What does appreciation mean to you in sport?

Appreciation isn’t unimportant to me, but it’s not my top priority. Swimming is an individual sport, and I often have to focus solely on myself – which sometimes means deliberately tuning out what’s happening around me. Still, I value recognition and respectful interaction within the team, because in the end, that team spirit contributes to one’s own performance too.

What is your next big goal – in sport and in life?

Athletically: My next goal is to deliver a strong performance at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore and gain as much valuable experience as possible. After that, I want to reach a final at the European Championships – that would be a huge milestone for me.

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Personally: I want to successfully complete my vocational baccalaureate in engineering at AKAD. This education is very important to me alongside sport, as it gives me a solid foundation for my professional future as well.

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‍Gian-Luca Gartmann is an elite swimmer at Uster Swimming Club and has been a member of the Swiss national team since 2019. Since the age of seven, swimming has been a central part of his life. Alongside his athletic career, he is pursuing a vocational baccalaureate in engineering at AKAD, after having completed his commercial apprenticeship with a federal diploma. With this combination of athletic ambition and professional education, he is consistently pursuing his path to the top of the world.

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