Gesa Krause: “The fire in me is still burning”

Words by Robert Birnbaum. Photography by Tom Schlegel.

For over ten years, hardly any other name has stood for success in German athletics like Gesa Krause. Three times an Olympic finalist in the 3000m steeplechase. Twice bronze at the World Championships. Goals that Gesa had been building towards since her teens.

“I was always a good middle-distance runner – primarily over 800m and 2000m. When I was 16 years old, I enrolled in a sports boarding school where I started running 1500m as well. At one point, I was faced with a choice – 1500m or 1500m steeplechase? ”

In her first steeplechase race, Krause set the tone for what would become a spectacular career. She finished second and qualified for the German Championships, which she went onto win. Krause had found her strong suit.

“I had always liked running the steeplechase, and my technique was good from the start. It’s more than running in circles, I also have these obstacles in front of me. Anything can happen, it’s all about positioning. I’ve always had a knack for it, the tactics, the rhythm.”

Then, one year after her top five finish in Tokyo, Krause announced her pregnancy. In April 2023, the Hessian welcomed a new addition to the family: her daughter, Lola Emilia. 

Krause’s life changes, but she remains hungry. After a long break from competition, Krause shows at the German Indoor Championships in Leipzig that she’s still focused on the finish. With two championship titles under her belt – over 1500m and 3000m – the new On athlete is now looking ahead to reaching more athletic goals this season. 

"I've been doing competitive sport since 2008 and have competed in every major international athletics event since 2011,” she says. “I haven't had much time to catch my breath over the years. In 2022, I reached my physical limits because I kept ignoring this breathing space. [Pregnancy] gave me time to take a deep breath and completely rebuild myself."

For athletes like Krause, who compete in back-to-back competitions without long breaks, traveling between training camps, even welcome time-outs can present their own challenges.

"It was a new situation for me and quite a challenge to allow this standstill. I had thoughts about what it would be like to start a competition again [after becoming a mother] and whether I could build on past successes."

Krause went at her own pace and put her faith in the process.

"I'm someone who can rely on the training process. Of course, I noticed in training that things were progressing slowly, that it might not be 100 percent perfect yet, but I'm definitely on the right track. We made a conscious decision to do an indoor season so that I could practice competing again, being nervous and dealing with different racing situations."

"The first races gave me confidence that I have a good level of performance. I went into the first race without any fear and realized: I'm still me. It was all a bit different, but not a huge amount has changed."

"2024 should be the year of best times. For me, top performances are the basis of my dreams for medals.”

Big dreams, small steps. Krause’s strategy is simple, "I just try to put one foot in front of the other.” 

She started training again in May 2023, “I started almost from scratch back then. It was the starting signal, now I'm driven by the challenge of how far I can get. I want to deliver my best possible performance of the year.” 

Krause talks of the women's 3000m steeplechase final with measured confidence.

"It would be a lie to say that I don't have these dreams and wishes. But I wouldn't pin [a successful year in 2024] on a medal, a placing or a time. It's about being able to continue on this path in a healthy and happy way, to get as close as possible to these times, dreams and goals."

Krause is now taking a different course than in previous years. Training to the limit. And sometimes even beyond. But with a different mindset. 

"I've learned to listen to myself and my body better. That was also very important to me during my pregnancy. I always trained, but there were also days when I didn't feel good. Then I said to myself 'I just can't do it then, I'll drop it today and carry on tomorrow’. That's when I realized that not everything is lost after one day. You have to be a bit more conscientious about yourself and your health."

Aside from her mindset towards training, Krause’s life changed in many ways since giving birth to her daughter, Lola.

“Lola sets the tone at home now,” she laughs. “I love dedicating my time to my second full-time job: being a mother. Generally speaking, I’m a truly family-oriented person. The harmony I experience while spending time with my family grants me new strength and energy.”

Consistency, and passion, are key.

"I really missed the competitions,” Krause explains, “That's why [the break] was very important. I realized that I still really want to do this. That I still have this inner fire to compete with others."

When Gesa Krause isn’t whizzing around the tracks of the world, she’s exploring as much of it as she can. From spontaneous city trips, to horizon-expanding experiences like her time in Bali, Indonesia. She isn’t a solo traveler, though. Spending time with loved ones is one of Krause’s greatest passions. 

“I love enjoying life in good company, savoring the special moments. It’s not always possible, but I also love disconnecting from my life as a pro athlete. I can seem like I’m quite a serious person. Those who really know me, know that’s not the case at all. I just focus really hard on one thing at a time.”

Krause’s inner fire is burning stronger than ever in 2024. And her focus now is on this season’s biggest race.