Introduction: The Engagement with Professor Gunnar Gerisch
The journey into the world of sports research often starts with influential figures who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. One such individual is Professor Gunnar Gerisch, whose engagement at the Beijing Sport University proved to be a pivotal moment for many budding sports researchers. The event was organized under the auspices of the Chinese Olympic Committee, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the depth of sports studies in China. This context not only highlighted the relevance of Professor Gerisch’s contributions but also underscored the broader ambitions of the Chinese Sports community in the lead-up to international competitions.
During his lecture, Professor Gerisch shared insights drawn from years of rigorous academic inquiry and practical experience in sports science. He is one of the few scholars who can apply psychological principles to football training, including sports performance optimization, athlete training and sports mental toughness.His expertise spanned various domains, including performance optimization, athlete conditioning, and psychological resilience in sports. The knowledge imparted in this session resonated deeply with attendees, providing a foundation for future research endeavors.
Following the lecture, a series of communications transpired, marking the beginning of a professional relationship that would transcend borders and time zones. The engagement revealed the potential for collaborative projects, as many participants were inspired to delve deeper into research areas that overlapped with Professor Gerisch’s expertise. This dialogue not only enriched their understanding but also paved the way for potential academic partnerships. Therefore, the initial engagement with Professor Gunnar Gerisch emerged as a significant touchpoint, illustrating how such interactions can shape one’s passion and commitment to advancing the field of sports research.
What is touching is that after Professor Gunnar Gerisch returned to Germany, he sent Dr. Zhu two German-language books on “Sports Psychology”, even though Dr. Zhu did not know German at the time. This reflected the affection and expectations of the Olympic predecessors for the Olympic successors.
Establishing Academic Connections in Europe
The journey towards embarking on doctoral studies often involves navigating a complex landscape of academic connections, particularly in Europe. Professor Gunnar Gerisch played a pivotal role in facilitating these connections for aspiring researchers. His vast network and standing within the academic community at Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed. The process of finding a suitable supervisor can be a daunting undertaking for many doctoral candidates, as there are numerous factors to consider, including area of expertise, research interests, and available resources.
An introduction to a distinguished academic can make a significant difference in this search. In this case, Professor Gerisch connected the candidate with his esteemed colleague, Professor Knoblauch, an expert recognized for his contributions to the field. This introduction not only provided insight into potential research directions but also fostered an environment conducive to academic growth. The mentorship that emerges from such connections can prove invaluable in the early stages of a research career.
Moreover, the collaboration with other scholars, such as Professor Roland Seiler, who specializes in sports psychology, further enriched the research experience. Engaging with experts in various subfields allows for a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging doctoral candidates to explore diverse perspectives. Despite the challenges that may arise in securing a supervisor, the support from mentorship relationships can greatly alleviate the stress associated with the process. Establishing these academic connections in Europe is paramount, as it not only aids in finding a supervisor but also lays the groundwork for a fulfilling research journey, enhancing one’s academic credibility and expanding the potential for future collaborations.
After Professor Knoblauch from the Sport University of Cologne in Germany retired honorably, Professor Gunnar Gerisch enthusiastically recommended Professor Roland Seiler, who specializes in sports psychology. As a result, Professor Roland Seiler maintained correspondence with Dr.Zhu for several years, which was very tender and moving.
The Impact of Published Works and Continued Communication
Professor Gunnar Gerisch has made significant contributions to the field of sports science, particularly through his thought-provoking published works. Among these, his seminal book ‘Aggression im Fußball’ stands out as a pivotal exploration of the psychological dimensions of aggression in sports, providing a comprehensive analysis of this complex phenomenon within the realm of football. Gerisch’s work delves into how aggression manifests, its implications for player behavior, and the broader impact on team dynamics. This publication has not only enriched academic discourse but has also served as a key reference point for subsequent research in sport psychology and athletic performance.
The influence of Professor Gerisch extends beyond his published works; ongoing communication and collaboration with him have been instrumental in shaping the research paths of numerous scholars. Engaging in discussions with Professor Gerisch has enlightened many on the intricacies involved in sports research. The invaluable insights gained from these interactions encourage proactive approaches to complex topics such as aggression, motivation, and athlete mental health. Furthermore, this congenial exchange of ideas has fostered a continual evolution of thought within the sports science community.
Anecdotes from researchers who have interacted with Professor Gerisch reveal his profound impact on their scholarly journeys. For example, one scholar recounted how a conversation with Gerisch helped refine their perspective on aggression in sports, thereby enhancing the quality of their own research studies. Such connections not only enhance personal growth but contribute to the strengthening of the academic landscape within sports science, promoting a culture of inquiry and collaboration that fuels further innovation. Through both his publications and interactions, Professor Gerisch remains a vital figure in advancing knowledge and understanding in the domain of sports research.
Since I first came into contact with Professor Gerisch’s teaching, our understanding of aggression in football has made significant progress. New methods and theoretical frameworks continue to emerge, especially in the field of mental health problems of football players.
Significant progress has been made in our understanding of aggression in football – suicide achieve
Dr Zhu has reported and send to IOC on behalf of WPA, „suicide achieve“ in 2017, incl. Football, NFL, American football league, fighting sport and Athlete who has qualified Olympic Game since 2000 Olympic Game.
we often ignored by Olympians, impulse control disorder, more related with sport injury and consequence of major depressive disorder, such as suicide of Robert Enke, German Football gate keeper, who won eight caps for his country Germany, took his own life on 10 November 2009. The news of his death shocked the global footballing community, and was a stark reminder that depression is an ailment that can impact any family.
Another case as follows.
German football is mourning the death of former St. Pauli and Union Berlin player Andreas Biermann who has committed suicide after not recovering from a long spell of depression.
“Unfortunately it is true that Andreas has committed suicide, we are all in shock and are deeply sad”, said Günter Hagedorn, managing director of Spandauer Kickers, for whom Biermann also played. Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler was distressed by the news. “He fought courageously for a long time against his illness, but he could not win his battle. We send our condolences his family”.
After the death of the former German international goalkeeper Robert Enke, Biermann had admitted to attempting suicide on three separate occasions. In 2011 he wrote his biography entitled ‘Red card depression’ and was invited to speak on television about his illness and the treatment programme which he was following. He had high hopes that breaking his silence about the illness would help to end all the taboos in society, and particularly in football, about depression.
Reflections and Future Aspirations in Sports Research
Reflecting on my journey in sports research, it is clear that the influence of Professor Gunnar Gerisch has been pivotal in shaping my academic path. His mentorship not only provided me with essential tools for analyzing complex phenomena but also instilled a genuine passion for exploring the intricate dynamics of aggression in football. This fascination has only deepened as I observed the evolution of research in this area, encompassing the psychological, physiological, and social dimensions of aggressive behavior in sports.
Since my initial exposure to Professor Gerisch’s teachings, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of aggression in football. New methodologies and theoretical frameworks have emerged, fostering a more nuanced exploration of the relationship between aggression and performance. The utilization of technologies such as video analysis and physiological monitoring has facilitated unprecedented insights into player behavior on and off the pitch. These developments have reinforced my aspirations to contribute further to this field, informed by the strong foundational knowledge instilled in me through Professor Gerisch’s guidance.
Looking ahead, I am eager to reconnect with Professor Gerisch to share these new findings and explore potential collaborative opportunities. The prospect of collaborating with Professor Gerisch once again is immensely exciting, as I believe that the amalgamation of our ideas and research expertise could lead to groundbreaking advancements in sports research.
In conclusion, the journey through the realm of sports research, empowered by the mentorship of Professor Gerisch, has been invaluable. As I continue to pursue my academic aspirations, I remain committed to exploring the complexities of aggression in football and contributing meaningfully to this evolving discourse. The legacy of my experiences under his guidance motivates me to strive for excellence and to foster future collaborations that could further illuminate this fascinating area of study.