Release from 27.10.2025

“Physically, you rarely reach your limit – but mentally, much faster” – Thomas Hundertpfund on Mental Strength in Professional Sports

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In the final episode of the Mental Health series, part of the “OneSport.ManyFaces” campaign, Thomas Hundertpfund, forward of the EC-KAC, speaks about mental strain, mutual support, and the importance of allowing yourself to show vulnerability.

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“I think the difficult thing about our sport is that people don’t expect anyone to show weakness – but that’s exactly what should change,” says Hundertpfund. “No matter how tough the sport is, everyone carries something with them. And in that sense, it should be okay to show weakness.”

The 34-year-old emphasizes that the greatest limits in ice hockey are often not physical, but mental. “We all train at the highest level – the body is capable of enduring a lot. But mentally, you reach your limits much faster.”

He advocates for psychological support to become a standard part of professional sports. “Ideally, every team would have a sports psychologist players can turn to. In Klagenfurt, we’ve had seasons with a mentor we could talk to – and that was incredibly valuable.”

Hundertpfund also highlights the importance of looking out for one another within the team: “If I notice that someone isn’t doing well over a longer period, I try to talk to him. Sometimes, just a small nudge is enough for someone to open up.”

With his thoughtful perspective, Thomas Hundertpfund shows that mental strength isn’t about toughness – it’s about openness, trust, and the courage to be vulnerable.

Watch the full video with Thomas Hundertpfund here:

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