After an impressive 2024 that firmly placed him among the world’s elite, decathlete Sven Roosen had to hit pause this year. A persistent injury disrupted his plans following the Olympics. Yet, his outlook remains optimistic and focused. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he says. “And that feels good.”

Taking a break in a high-performance world

In the world of elite sports, where everything revolves around peaking at the right time, taking a break can feel almost taboo. But Sven had little choice. The injury struck in late 2023—just as everything seemed to be on track for Paris. “We thought we had it under control, but it went wrong during a training camp. I had to finish the season with whatever I had left. In hindsight, I probably pushed my body a bit too far.”

Since then, his calendar has traded competitions for rehab sessions, strength training, and alternative workouts. With the help of a physiotherapist, his recovery has been carefully rebuilt—from running on an Alter-G treadmill to throwing shot put again on the track. “This week I did discus and shot put for the first time again. It feels like rediscovering things, but I know what I’m doing—that confidence is still there.”

“Rehab is honestly just boring”

Anyone who thinks rehab frees up your time is mistaken. “You actually spend more time on sports during rehab,” says Sven. “You’re on the track, in the gym, at treatment sessions. It’s time-consuming—and mentally exhausting. You know what your body could normally do, and now it feels limited. And yes, rehab is just plain boring.”

Still, he found strength in unexpected places—like training with Femke Bol’s 400-meter group in South Africa. “It was amazing to train with athletes again. And with athletes who understand what it means to rehab. That sense of solidarity helps. You realize you’re not alone.”

Learning to let go

These days, Sven tracks his progress week by week, no longer day by day. “It’s been a real learning experience in becoming more patient. You can’t expect to improve every day. You have to trust the process.”

He sees this mental shift as a long-term investment in his career. “It’s a gap year, but a very valuable one. I’m learning how to deal with setbacks and how to build a sustainable career. These are insights I’ll carry with me.”

Back on track—on his own terms

Although the competition season is underway, Sven hasn’t returned to the starting line just yet. And that’s a conscious decision. “I could run a 100-meter right now, but I haven’t built up enough to seriously aim for fast times. So what’s the point? For now, the focus is on getting fit.”

Still, he’s excited for what’s ahead. He has been to Götzis last month, where he’d competed three times before—this time, though, as a spectator. Upfront, he mentioned: “It’ll be my first time on the sidelines. That’s tough, of course, but also special. I’m looking forward to soaking in the atmosphere and seeing everyone again. It’s incredibly motivating.”

Eyes on the future

His main goal this year is the World Championships in Tokyo at the end of September. Thanks to last year’s performances, he’s already qualified. “That gives us a bit of flexibility. We’ve said: if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. But I’m working hard to make it.”

Outside the track, Sven is also focused on the future. He’s completed his internship and is finishing the last courses of his studies. “It’s not like the injury suddenly gave me loads of extra time for school. Rehab is intense—mentally too. But it feels good to be making progress there as well.”

“Now I know I belong among the world’s best”

Despite the setbacks, Sven’s self-belief is stronger than ever. “After last year, I know I belong at the top. When I’m 100% fit, there’s still room to grow. And I don’t see any reason why I couldn’t go for an Olympic medal in three and a half years.”

For now, it’s all about building—step by step, without rushing. “In the end, I want to come back stronger than before. And if I manage that, this whole period will have only made me better.”

Fonto proudly supports Sven Roosen in partnership with TalentEmpowerment. We believe in sustainable growth—in sports, in technology, and beyond.