Focken achieved a milestone by becoming the second German female athlete to win a freestyle wrestling world title. She claimed gold at the 2014 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In 2015, she was named Sportswoman of the Year in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Personal Life

Focken resides in Triberg, Germany, with her husband Jan Rotter. Rotter also competed in Greco-Roman wrestling at an international level for Germany. Focken is fluent in English and German and holds a master's degree in health management.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside wrestling, Focken enjoys eating out, watching movies, walking her dogs, meeting friends and family, snowboarding, and reading. She finds relaxation through these activities and maintains a balanced lifestyle.

Influences and Rituals

Her father has been the most influential person in her career. She idolises Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. Focken has specific rituals before competitions. She loads her e-reader with books to read during competitions and listens to Bibi Blocksberg audio dramas to relax.

Sporting Philosophy

Focken's sporting philosophy is simple: "Never take a step backwards and always get up when you fall." This motto has guided her through various challenges in her career.

Ambitions and Future Plans

Focken aimed to win a medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She planned to retire from wrestling after these Games. "This [2020] will be my last season as a wrestler," she said. She wanted to end her career with an Olympic medal if possible.

Occupation

Focken works as an occupational health manager. Her company supports competitive sport and offered her this role. She finds this new area of work interesting as it allows her to focus on injury prevention.

Education

Focken pursued higher education at the University of Applied Sciences for Prevention and Health Management in Saarbrücken, Germany. She studied Sport Studies and later earned a master's degree in health management.

Looking Forward to Tokyo

Focken was too nervous at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. For the 2020 Games in Tokyo, she planned to be more relaxed and enjoy the experience. She looked forward to competing in a country where women's wrestling is highly prioritised.

Aline Focken's journey has been marked by dedication and achievements. As she transitions from wrestling to her role as an occupational health manager, she continues to inspire many with her story.