Catching up with Robert Dierking
January 21, 2025
By Reut Golinsky
Photo © Reut Golinsky
The last time we met was in Oberstdorf during the Nebelhorn Trophy in 2019. Robert was there with students from the Skating School of Switzerland, and we discussed his early career, his work at the school, and his role as the show director of "Ice Legends."
Little did we know that five years later, when we'd meet again, he would be living in Oberstdorf with his family and heading the development program for the German Skating Federation. We caught up during the Nebelhorn Trophy 2024 to talk about how his life took this unexpected turn, his current objectives, and his recent collaboration with friends in Champéry.
The last time we spoke was right here in Oberstdorf, back in September 2019. Who could have guessed that the next time we'd do an interview, Oberstdorf would be your home? Let's start at the beginning and catch up on everything that has happened in your life since our first conversation.
I was interested in change and in focusing on the development of skating from its foundation. In pursuit of this, I took on the role of senior national team coach for German singles skating. It was an intriguing project and chapter in my career, based in Oberstdorf, as most of the senior national team athletes were training there under Michael Huth at the time. He and I worked very closely together.
The only senior athletes not based in Oberstdorf were Paul Fentz, whom I supported remotely while periodically visiting him in Berlin, and Nikita Starostin, whose primary training centre was in Antwerp, Belgium, with occasional sessions in Dortmund, Germany. Meanwhile, skaters like Nicole Schott, Kai Jagoda, and Kristina Isaev were training in Oberstdorf, so it made sense for me to be based here, where the majority of the athletes were located.
During this time, the goal was also to maintain team synergy and energy. And so my work extended to international athletes based permanently in Oberstdorf. We organised centralized training camps as well as decentralized ones to keep things efficient. While centralized measures can be nice, there's a right and wrong time for them in the season, and sometimes it's better to go to the athletes. We conducted a number of these camps and also had some excellent collaborations with other coaches.
And when did all of this happen, chronologically?
On August 19, 2020, I moved from Champéry to Berlin, completed the year there during the pandemic, and then returned to Switzerland before relocating to Oberstdorf. It was around January-February 2021 that we settled here, and from that point on, things progressed. It was, of course, a tough period for everyone, but we were fortunate to be in a less populated area.
My focus is on single skaters. And we have different trainers specializing in various disciplines. My official position includes working with junior and senior athletes on the national team, as well as providing additional support for regional and national novice skaters. Most of my time is spent coaching both on and off the ice.
I also met you at larger competitions, like the Europeans. Are you there as a representative of the federation?
Yes, that's correct. It depends on how the federation assigns the delegation. Sometimes I'm there as a coach, and other times as a team leader. Of course, I prefer being there as a coach because being a team leader is a big job with a long schedule. It involves being in charge of the singles, pairs, and ice dance and supporting all the athletes. But it's great - it's nice to be part of it.
Germany has participated in the Olympic team event all three times since it debuted in 2014. I assume one of the main goals for you and the team is to qualify for the team event in Milano-Cortina?
Of course, that's one of our goals. As I mentioned, we have a range of coaches - national team coaches, regional coaches - a whole network of dedicated professionals. Everyone is working with full focus and effort to develop the skaters to their highest potential. My current focus is primarily in Oberstdorf. Of course, we're strong in pairs. And we're working on further developing the singles disciplines, and ladies, in particular, need attention...
Let's talk a bit about Oberstdorf being a Centre of Excellence and your involvement in its activities.
Daniel Wende is actually the coordinator for the base here in Oberstdorf. But he often approaches me with projects. When he does, and I hear there's an opportunity for collaboration - usually with Bergamo or Champéry - I'm always positive and eager to join. Having good friends and colleagues in both centres, it's a great chance to exchange ideas as a coach, reconnect with wonderful people, and enjoy a change of scenery.
So, how was it to change the scenery and go back to Champéry for the Joint Development Camp last June?
It was great. We all worked on and off the ice, and for me, it was my first time back on the ice in Champéry since I left in 2020. It felt so great, so welcoming. It was like being back home again, and that was a wonderful feeling. The kids and coaches were all so eager! There was a lot of good dialogue, which I think is really important between coaches. The skaters were in a fantastic environment, motivated and inspired by seeing Stéphane and the high-level athletes who train regularly in Champéry.
Angelo Dolfini even mentioned that, initially, there was an idea to spend a week at each Center of Excellence - first in Champéry, then in Bergamo, and finally in Oberstdorf - but it ended up being logistically too complicated.
So, I believe Angelo is the coordinator for the base in Champéry, and Daniel is here. I'm not usually involved in these discussions, but that sounds like a great idea! I hope they manage to figure it out. It would be like a "touring camp"!