She began her journey in Para canoe in 2014 in Hamburg, Germany, encouraged by a friend. Her previous experience in wheelchair basketball helped her transition smoothly. She represented Germany in wheelchair basketball at the Paralympic Games in 2008 and 2012, winning silver and gold medals respectively.

In 2005, she competed in wheelchair tennis and won the Hungarian Open. Her success continued as she became the first German paddler to win a Paralympic gold medal in the women's KL1 200m at the 2020 Tokyo Games. This achievement also made her the first German paddler to win more than one Paralympic medal in the sport.

Challenges and Injuries

Her career has not been without challenges. In early 2017, she was sidelined for two months due to a flu virus. She broke her leg in 2020, which kept her out of action for three months. In 2023, she sustained a fracture in the femur bone of her leg.

Personal Life and Philosophy

She balances her athletic career with motherhood. She gave birth to her son Liam in January 2019 and returned to training seven weeks later. Liam often accompanies her during training sessions, making it easier for her to continue competitive sports.

Her personal philosophy is simple: "Just do it." This mindset has helped her navigate both her professional and personal life effectively.

Awards and Recognition

She has received several accolades throughout her career. She was named the 2010 German International Wheelchair Basketball Athlete of the Year. In 2020, she was included in the Team of the Decade by the German National Paralympic Committee.

She has been honoured with the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (Silver Laurel Leaf) three times, Germany's highest sports award. Recently, she and triathlete Martin Schulz were Germany's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, she aims to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Her dedication to both her sport and family continues to inspire many.

Influences and Inspirations

Her mother has been a significant influence on her life. She also looks up to German sprint paddler Birgit Fischer as her hero.

Professional Life

Apart from being an athlete, she works as a sports therapist at a hospital in Hamburg, Germany. She has also studied rehabilitation pedagogy at the University of Cologne.

Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Balancing multiple roles, she continues to excel both on and off the field.