Rasmus Bach
What is it like to be a professional athlete? I followed Rasmus around for a day to show you. He practices 2-3 times per day, 6-7 days a week.
Rasmus is in his rookie season, and living out a dream he has had since he was a child: be a professional basketball player. I am blown away by the dedication and commitment this guy has to the game. It has been far too long since he has been the star of one of my posts! I owe my travels and adventurous life to him and that little round ball. Be sure to watch my video above.
Rasmus is playing for Randers Cimbria for the 2018-2019 season, and you can follow his games this season here.
Background:
Rasmus was born in 1995 in Denmark. He moved to Australia with his parents and brother in 1997, so both of his parents could compete in the 2000 Sydney Olympics for handball. His family moved to Texas in 2008 where he went to Anderson High School. He later went on to play basketball at Fort Lewis College (Colorado, USA) on a full-ride scholarship. His homecoming to Denmark this year has been special because he has been able to return to his extended family and compete in his native language, while also getting the opportunity to represent the Danish national team.
Q&A with Rasmus:
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue professional sports?
Trust the struggle. There will be some really high highs and really low lows. If it's something you truly love and you believe in yourself, you will find a way. On those days you feel like doing nothing you have to push yourself because every little thing pays off.
How do you separate yourself from everyone else, to get to the next level?
Personally, for me, it was being told that I wasn't good enough; not getting any full Division I offers. Motivation is what will separate you. Being motivated to put in extra work. When others are playing video games and inviting you to go party, you have to know you have bigger goals. You have to be strict with yourself. It's okay to go out and have fun, but make sure your actions align with your goals.
How important is nutrition?
I would say, when you are in high school, it is not as important. But it is important that you start forming good habits. You can't just be eating junk food. Make sure you are getting your greens. As you get older, nutrition becomes more and more important. Basketball can be up to 3x a day, and your body has to last an entire season and into the rest of your career. Good nutrition will keep you from getting sick and from getting injured.
What should athletes focus on to get better?
Make sure you can clearly see your weaknesses, and keep working on those things. Ask your mentors and coaches. If you're good at shooting, but not at ball handling, make sure you are putting more time in on working on your ball handling.
What about recovery?
Recovery is extremely important, mental, and physical. Running your brain at basketball 24/7 is tiring, and sometimes you need a full day of watching movies or spending time with loved ones away from the court. You have to make sure you take mental breaks. Physically, when you are younger it isn't as important. But as you get older and into college you have to make sure you force yourself to stretch, use bands, ice bath, and foam roll. Once you hit the pros-- it's crucial, and you need to be able to self-direct.
Both of your parents played handball in the 2000 Olympics, how do you think that shaped your journey?
It was a bar setter for me. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents competing on that stage. It pushed me to compete with them; and I knew wanted to compete at that level. It has hugely influenced my direction.
Any extra tips?
Keep a positive outlook, not only on the court but in life. The power of your thoughts can dramatically affect your game in a positive or negative way.
The secret is to marry a woman who loves you and knows a lot about food and health!