Long jump star Malaika Mihambo is known for her mental strength - a skill that has helped her win Olympic gold, as well as world and European championship titles. Malaika explains why success does not make you a better person and what role personal goals play. Find out here what example you can take from the long jump star in your business to initiate lasting change in society.
ISPO.com: You often talk about the balance between mental and physical health. Can you tell us how you manage to show mental strength in stressful moments?
It's a question of balance beforehand - physically and mentally. For me, a competition is not just a moment, but a whole season - a whole year or maybe four years of preparation for the Olympic Games. The highlight is then the Olympic final and this special competition. But in the end, it's just a tiny little moment in those four years. That's why it's always important for me to focus on my body and push myself to my limits.
I always say that professional sport is not about constantly pushing your limits, but you have to reach them. And you raise your level over time. But you don't raise it by always going beyond your limits. You can do that every now and then for a competition, but not every day. And in my opinion, that's the key to physical well-being - you should always be careful.
When it comes to mental strength, it's important to stay with yourself, ask yourself what you want to achieve, what you want to be, how you feel now and how you want to feel in the future. Perhaps also how the past has shaped you. And then try to find a way to gain a new perspective on life in order to become the best version of yourself.
Has there been a particular type of innovation in terms of data or tracking in recent years that has particularly helped your training progress?
Ultimately, you can collect an incredible amount of data, but what's more important is the quality of it and how you can use it. We try different things, but in the end I really rely on my body, how it makes me feel and not just the hard facts. After all, my job is to listen to my body. At the same time, the coach is there to keep the hard facts in mind, to see what it looks like from the outside and to give feedback, compare and constantly improve the training plan.
In Germany, we also really concentrate on biomechanics. We have several training camps where everything is measured with a camera to know exactly what was a good or a bad jump. Then I know whether I might need a stronger leg or a stronger movement in that direction. That's the most actionable data because it's measured while I'm doing the long jump. If I train with weights, for example, and measure the training data, that tells me something completely different.
How do you think we can use technology to drive the future of sport, such as for greater fan engagement at events or in the respective communities?
I think there are many opportunities. We can enable access and connect through technology. Sport can be something that unites people around the world and brings them together. They can participate and they don't even have to be in the same place or it doesn't have to be at the same time. There is technology that is easily accessible to everyone. I think that's the most important thing if we as humanity want to create a society that is inclusive.
You are now a great role model. Looking back on your journey, you have also had to deal with difficulties as a woman and racism. What would you like to see from the sports community in terms of greater inclusion, what needs to change?
As someone who has had these experiences, I always try not to talk too much about what happened because then people tend to say: "Oh, you poor thing." But in the long run, that doesn't help anyone. When it comes to discrimination and racism, we all take part in it, either actively by suffering from it, but also as an observer.
So if we realize that we are doing something that is harmful, even if only as an observer, we need to be open and honest with ourselves. We may need to apologize and start taking responsibility to take action to become a better society.
This doesn't just apply to sport. Sport is a part of society and is very diverse. Women are now being seen more and more, including para-athletes. Nevertheless, there is still a general and structural problem.
So how can sport start in its own field and how can it have more influence on a larger part of society? We should focus on these kinds of questions. Sport has so much power as it unites people, their common goals, but also emotion and passion. This should be used to promote sustainable development. By that I don't just mean the environment, but also social and individual well-being.
You yourself do a lot of groundwork to support children and have an impact on society. Can you tell us a bit more about this?
We should all participate in society as a whole, not just in a negative way, but also in a positive way, for example by getting involved. I started my own foundation to support children whose families are not financially able to bring them to a sports or athletics club.
It's so important for children to exercise and have fun while doing their sport. Also for personal development, for example in terms of self-confidence or through a new social environment and success in sport.
What would you like your legacy to be as an athlete on the field, but also in the public eye?
That's a big question and one that I don't think much about as I'm rather humble and don't believe that success makes someone a better person.
However, I would love to inspire as many people as possible to find their own way to live a healthy life for themselves and also to share their happiness and passion with other people. When we focus on the good and the things that unite us, it makes us stronger and we can become happier and more peaceful.
What would be your wish for the sports business, the community or maybe a message for young athletes to be successful?
The most important thing for someone who wants to become a professional athlete is to focus not only on success, but also on yourself as a person and your needs and goals outside of sport. Don't just focus on the sport, but always focus on the other parts that make life worth living. Because even if you are successful, especially in the sports business, you can't be successful your whole life. At some point you might be too old and then it's over. So you have to have something for afterwards. And you also need to have something for in between, because success can feel so empty if you don't live your life to the full.
Andre Agassi, Grand Slam champion and comeback expert, is a role model for resilience and continuous development. In this interview, he shares insights into his biggest challenges, how he turned setbacks into successes and why discipline, authenticity and innovation are essential - not only for sport, but also for business.
ISPO.com: Which innovations have had the biggest impact on the sport in recent years in your eyes?
Well, I can't really say anything about all sports. The technology and the way sports are televised seems to have changed dramatically - both in tennis and in sports that I'm not that deep into. You can follow the curve of the ball or the puck, have the ability to provide statistics and relevant information to better understand the sport. That's incredible.
The innovations in strings and racquets in tennis and pickleball are also helping to improve the control and implementation of certain playing techniques. There are so many ways in which the sport can grow. Athletes are perhaps the biggest innovation of all. They are getting better and also faster.
ISPO.com: You mentioned how important the opinion of your children is to you. What innovation is most important for new generations in sports?
You always have to find ways to improve. Innovations in the field of training science, in terms of recovery and those that ensure that you build muscles in a way that they can fully develop in the course of a specific sport. I see a lot of that. Technology can also help children to better understand the sport they grow up with and love at a young age.
ISPO.com: When we talk about what inspires people and what makes sports exciting, not just for future generations, but for every generation, this is your story: You dropped to 141st in the world rankings, then had an extraordinary comeback and became Grand Slam champion again. We all wonder what drove you at that moment. Can you share your experience to inspire others to make a comeback?
I wanted to give up but felt it wasn’t the end. I had a deep desire to rediscover my potential. Sometimes, you can only improve after facing your worst side. At my lowest point, I felt that I could get better every day. I didn't know what I was actually capable of again, but I knew that I could improve every day.
Improving daily became my method for success, no matter the circumstances. I always had the opportunity, and indeed the responsibility, to get better, right? So I was much more concerned with the process than the result. And I think that gave me a deep appreciation for a game that I struggled with for a long time in the early years of my career. Of course, it also took a lot out of me: a lot of brain power, a lot of thinking, a lot of self-reflection.
ISPO.com: So it also has something to do with mental health. How do you reconcile that?
It's certainly not easy to be vulnerable, but I think vulnerability is important for growth, whether in sports or in life.
On the one hand it was difficult because I always knew where I wasn't, but on the other hand it was also extremely liberating: being where I was fine as long as I pushed myself to improve. Talking about mental health issues is crucial – what remains hidden can’t be healed. And if you really disclose what you're struggling with, you have a chance to heal. More people are now willing to do so.
ISPO.com: What can others learn from this? Maybe people who have lost their passion for the sport or never really had it.
Well, I'm not sure what passion really means. I think it's important to define success wisely.
If you've lost your motivation, it's usually distraction or an identity problem. People usually project. I encourage people to look inward and ensure their identity shapes their actions, rather than letting their actions define them.
ISPO.com: What do you think is the future of sports? What can help create great emotions, improve accessibility or also provide opportunities? Not only for athletes, but also for fans?
I think technology plays a big role overall. I've seen the new stadiums in my hometown of Las Vegas and it allows for such interactivity with the fans. Or when I watch the US Open and see what IBM is doing in terms of data communication with the fans. There are so many opportunities for fans to get involved and it all seems to happen through technology and delivering that live experience.
Communication in sports now shows the performance of the NFL players in detail, the precision of the precision of European soccer or the speed of tennis players by showing the spin, for example. It's simply about giving the fan an as accurate an impression as possible of what is actually happening.
ISPO.com: The global sports business is also discussing all of these questions. What message would you like to give this community? What should the sports industry do in the future and what should it pay attention to?
It is important to be interested in new inventions and innovations, to improve and to learn new things. Sharing knowledge and being inspired is just as important. I think that at ISPO Munich, for example, everyone can really learn from each other. To then implement the inspiration and come back next year and show how what has been learned has been implemented is an ideal opportunity to drive the industry forward.
ISPO.com: It was your first time here at ISPO Munich. How was it?
Oh, it was a great experience here in Munich. Seeing behind the scenes how the sports world comes together to talk about technology and innovation is great. Everyone here is pushing to make sport bigger and better. So what a great place to express your vision and passion. It was a great experience.
The learnings and ups and downs from Andre Agassi's career also contain some valuable lessons for your business and can be transferred to the sports industry.
The lessons Agassi draws from his sometimes difficult relationship with tennis offer universal learning potential:
Written by Aude Penouty
Vincent Wauters, who has been at the helm of the Rossignol™ Group since February 2021, embodies the renewal of an emblematic brand of French skiing. The Belgian manager with a rich background in the outdoor world has understood how to turn challenges into opportunities.
With a bold vision and a strong commitment to sustainability, Vincent Wauters has orchestrated a true renaissance for Rossignol, combining tradition and innovation. In this exclusive interview, he gives us an insight into the background to this transformation and his ambitions for the future of the group.
"My path has always been characterized by testing my own limits and managing large projects with strong teams. After studying history, I switched to business and focused entirely on change and growth - especially with global, inspiring brands with an international focus, particularly in the outdoor sector. I have been lucky enough to live and work in eight different countries: Belgium, France, Sweden, the UK, Finland, Germany, Canada and Italy.
I started my career at Redcats Group™ (now PPR™/Kering™) before becoming part of the French Amazon™ adventure when things were really taking off. I then moved on to Newell Rubbermaid™ and finally to the Executive Team at Amer Sports™. From 2012 to 2016, I was CEO at Arc'teryx™, then at Hunter Boots™ in London until 2020. I finally joined Rossignol at the beginning of 2021 - in the middle of the turbulent time of the Covid crisis. It was a challenging phase, of course, but it was also an opportunity for innovation and growth."
"Fashion brands bring a creative eye and an understanding of urban trends. While outdoor brands like Rossignol embody authenticity, technology and a deep connection with nature. This mix between outdoor and fashion and the mutual influence makes it possible to appeal to athletes who are looking for technical equipment but also have a flair for design, aesthetics and modernity.
In the past, we have had some exciting collaborations with fashion brands such as Pucci in the 2010s, Tommy Hilfiger and Balmain. Since 2001, we have also had a firm partnership with the well-known designer and artist JC de Castelbajac. His creative and artistic signature suits us perfectly and gives our collections that certain something extra. In any case, the challenge is to maintain the authenticity of the brand."
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"Our business and marketing approach combines the major challenge of reducing our global CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030 with the brand's core values: innovation and visibility in competition. Rossignol has been a strong, authentic symbol of skiing and the mountains since 1907 - both desirable and steeped in tradition.
Sustainability is not an extra for us, but an essential part of our identity (Carve Mouvements of Sustainability and Human potential). Our commitment is lived by the entire team and runs through all phases of the product life cycle: from design to material selection, traceability with Fairly Made and production with 100% renewable energy. This is complemented by rental offers, second-hand options, upcycling projects and recycling. Our work follows a continuous improvement approach and CO₂ reduction targets are monitored and certified by Science Based Targets (SBTI).
We also focus on innovation in our products: the new Vizion ski boot with its step-in technology makes it easier than ever to put on. Our product ranges such as Hero, Alltrack, Forza and the new Arcade all-mountain series are the result of a great deal of development and expertise. And in terms of shoes, we will be launching the Vezor, our first high-performance trail running shoe, in March next year."
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"The CEC supports managers in making their business model fit for the ecological and social challenges of the 21st century. The congress is not an event you just go to - it demands real commitment. During this experience, I quickly understood how urgently systemic change is needed. All participants had a common goal: to finally take action and initiate real change. The best thing about it? This dynamic fits perfectly with the expectations of our internal teams at Rossignol.
We feel this sense of urgency in many companies. It is becoming increasingly clear that we need to move away from the belief in limitless, purely quantitative growth and instead focus on sustainable, qualitative growth. The hunt for ever more volume is simply not compatible with the limits of our planet.
Specifically, we at Rossignol are already focusing on some exciting CSR initiatives. In 2023, we presented our first recyclable open-source ski. We have also committed to integrating a third of our skis into a well thought-out eco-design process by 2028 and to recycle just as many skis. Another example: We are working with bio-based resin, which reduces the environmental impact of our skis by 8%. From 2026, this innovation will be in 40% of our product lines."
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"Transparency is necessary, we owe it to our consumers. We carry out Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for the majority of our collections. We work closely with Fairly Made, an organization that specializes in sustainable supply chains. They help us to assess the footprint of our products based on four key criteria: traceability, environment, recyclability and social responsibility.
The aim is to create more transparency about the origin, production and environmental impact of products in order to provide our customers with the best possible information. And to find opportunities for improvement for our future productions. By 2025, 100% of the Softgoods collection will be fully traceable. We are also ready to implement official environmental labeling as soon as the legal requirements are established."
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"The outdoor and mountain sports industry plays an important role when it comes to physical and mental health. It offers people a place where they can experience nature and relax. Nevertheless, our industry faces major challenges in a context of environmental, geopolitical and economic tensions. Climate change is the key challenge for winter sports in particular. Long-term snow reliability is decreasing, seasons are becoming shorter and more unpredictable, especially in the low mountain ranges. Winter sports resorts must respond to this and diversify their offerings in order to provide programs for all seasons. For the entire outdoor industry, ecological change is no longer just a trend, but an absolute priority. Consumers are demanding sustainable products and materials that protect nature and the environment. This requires innovation and the courage to break new ground. At the same time, the industry is under economic pressure - rising energy costs and general inflation are not making things any easier.
Rossignol has a clear goal: we want to be a brand that inspires people and is a true benchmark in mountain sports - whatever the season. We are working to develop the perfect balance between our winter and summer activities on the one hand and equipment and clothing on the other. More than 25 % of our turnover already comes from the clothing and footwear category and there is still more to come. We see huge potential here and could do more than 50 % of our business in this area in the future. After all, the clothing market is significantly larger than the market for winter sports equipment alone."
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With our entry into the trail market in 2025, we are opening a new chapter in the Rossignol success story. This strategic expansion drives our transformation and accelerates our commitment to year-round outdoor adventures in the mountains. In addition to strengthening our position in equipment, our apparel and footwear collections now play a central role in driving growth and awareness of the Rossignol brand.
"We are proud that an international event of this magnitude is taking place in our home country, the French Alps. The Olympic Games - as we saw recently in Paris - have an incredible power: they connect people, create community and bring with them pure passion and joy. For Rossignol, as a French brand and a leading name in skiing, this event has a special meaning. Competitions are deeply rooted in our DNA - more than 100 Olympic medal winners are part of our history. For the athletes, who we have often accompanied since their first days in the club, the Olympic Games are the big dream that everything boils down to. Their successes and presence on the international stage have a direct impact on Rossignol's image and our iconic Hero race series. We live this spirit - and the Games are part of it.
The biggest challenge until 2030 will be environmental protection and building a more sustainable model. We share the organizers' goal of hosting games that are conscious and resource-conserving - not only during the event, but also with a view to the aftermath, so that people and regions benefit in the long term.
These Games represent an opportunity to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable mountain world, with the possibility of initiating a number of changes: Rail transport, valley elevators, hydrogen-powered snow groomers, thermal renovation of buildings, etc. This global event will therefore be an important date for Rossignol, both in Italy in 2026 and in France in 2030!"
In just two years and with a turnover of 372 million euros in the 2023/2024 financial year, Rossignol shows how innovation and sustainable action can harmonize perfectly with economic success.
Under the leadership of Vincent Wauters, the brand skillfully combines tradition with modern thinking and is asserting itself as a driving force for a greener future in the mountain sports industry. Rossignol is ideally positioned to rethink mountain sports and set a sustainable direction.
From January 10-12, 2025, ISPO Beijing 2025 shook up the industry at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. With almost 500 brands, over 300 exhibitors and around 30,000 visitors, the trade show once again proved why it is the most important meeting place for the sports and outdoor world in the Asia-Pacific region. For three days, everything revolved around trends, innovations and new opportunities.
From mountaineering and hiking to snow sports and urban sports - there were exhibitions, discussions and interactive experiences in nine large themed areas (mountaineering and hiking, camping lifestyle, snow sports, sports training and running, textiles and technology, car travel, urban sports, cycling and climbing). In other words, everything that makes the sports & outdoor heart beat faster.
The focus: trends and challenges from every corner of the industry. Exciting forums such as the Commerce, Culture, Tourism, and Sports - Integrated Development Forum dealt with topics such as fashion trends, outdoor marketing, camp development and the smart integration of commerce, culture, sports and tourism. The event was the hotspot for everything that's hot right now - from fresh brand ideas and cool innovations to the latest tech updates along the supply chain. A platform that brings industry players together and offers plenty of space for networking and business boosts.
The national fitness movement is booming, and ISPO has recognized this. Together with the Leisure Sports Administration and the Health-Related Connection Sports & Culture Group, the China Fashion Sports Season IP was presented - an innovative concept that combines urban sports events and interactive experiences.
There was no shortage of sporting highlights either: the Winter Training Challenge and the Indoor Cycling Route Challenge seamlessly linked event and real sports worlds and offered new opportunities for exchange between enthusiasts, clubs and brands.
ISPO is driving sustainability at all levels. Together with partners such as the Asian Color Council and the China Fashion & Color Association, standards were developed for the entire sports and outdoor industry - from raw material sourcing to recycling. The ECO-NOVA Awards showed how sustainability and style harmonize perfectly and honored groundbreaking innovations.
Under the slogan "LOVE EVERY CONTACT", ISPO Beijing created an even stronger sense of community. Exciting activities attracted participants from all over the world. Supported by organizations such as the Beijing Extreme Sports Association, Will Go Club, Houmi Culture and many more, there were a variety of competitions and hands-on activities.
Highlights included the 4v4 Frisbee tournament, skateboarding demos and archery tag matches, which delighted both sports professionals and recreational enthusiasts. Another highlight was the MiLP Pickleball League - ISPO Special Edition, which attracted many fans.
A cycling simulator challenge was held in collaboration with the Beijing Snail Cycling Team, and a spectacular skiing and cycling exhibition was organized together with Jiku Sports and AxFine Extreme Sports. In addition, 34 sports communities strengthened the spirit of the event with their group visits. Overall, the trade show reached millions of potential sports consumers and inspired them to try new outdoor activities.
ISPO Beijing 2025 has shown how diverse and dynamic the sports and outdoor world is. As a platform for innovation, sustainability and global networking, it has set new standards. With a mix of impressive exhibitions, exciting forums and interactive experiences, the bar for the industry has been raised considerably. And it continues: In July 2025, the scene will meet at ISPO Shanghai. 2026 already promises to be a highlight when ISPO Beijing returns to China's capital. Be there - and actively shape the future of sport!
After 28 years, a chapter ends: Tobias Gröber, who has played a decisive role in shaping ISPO for decades, will leave Messe München at the end of April 2025. It all began in 1997 as a sports economics graduate from Bayreuth - then just an intern, now Mr. ISPO. Time to look back!