Judo Olympian Sebastian Seidl Balances Coaching, Athletics, and TV Challenges

A quiet life or even idleness – Sebastian Seidl doesn’t really recognize that. As a judoka of his stature, Bundesliga appearances and international competitions alternated constantly, and he also represented the German colors at world and European championships as well as the Olympic Games. There, in Tokyo in 2021, the Pförringer (Eichstätt district) also fulfilled his big dream and won bronze with the mixed team.

From Olympic Glory to Dual Career

After retiring from his career at the beginning of 2024, Seidl transitioned into a dual role as an instructor for the top sports promotion group at the riot police in Dachau (70 percent) and as a federal assistant trainer at the German Judo Federation (30 percent). He also renovated his parents’ house, completed a 100-kilometer march, and even appeared on ProSieben’s “taffinators”. He now seeks a quieter pace, at least in his free time.

Seidl recently returned from Paris, where he attended the first Judo Grand Slam tournament of the year. He noted the tournament’s results were “less pleasing because we didn’t have a final performance or final placement.”

Television Challenges and Athletic Pursuits

“Taffinators” and Beyond

Seidl’s recent television appearances on ProSieben’s “taff” showcased his competitive spirit. He competed in breath-holding against weightlifter George Paunovic and a shouting match against Taekwondo fighter Ela Aydin.

This is professional work on a completely different level. When it comes to filming, the fun naturally outweighs the fun. It’s about joy, commonalities and not about personal goals, which in sports you’ve of course been pursuing all your life

He won both challenges, reaching 124 decibels in the shouting duel and outlasting Paunovic in the aquarium. Of course I won that too, he said with a laugh, adding, I got out of the water shortly afterwards and have to admit: I wouldn’t have had much potential.

The 100-Kilometer March

Seidl also undertook a 100-kilometer march with two friends, starting in Munich and finishing in his hometown of Pförring. The journey took 22 hours and 51 minutes.

That was crazy. We didn’t sleep for a second. It was an extremely tough challenge, maybe even the toughest of my life

This challenge came after he recovered from a coronavirus infection in spring 2021, preparing for the Tokyo Olympics with a rigorous 17-day fitness camp in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Looking Ahead: Coaching and Continued Competition

Seidl is now focused on coaching, with upcoming assignments at the U21 European Judo Championships (Podgorica, Montenegro) and the U23 Championships (Naples, Italy). He aims to support his athletes in their professional and sporting pursuits.

While he plans to scale back on television appearances and extreme challenges, Seidl will continue to play football for TSV Pförring, currently competing with the second team.

I’m just having a lot of fun. And I’ll spot that it continues in the same way in the second half of the season.

DK