People have asked me why I haven’t competed yet this year, and the answer is actually quite simple: I’m not rushing it.
After last year, I realised that throwing far isn’t just about strength or just about competing as often as possible — it’s about putting everything together at the right time.
Over the winter, I changed a lot in my training. I’ve gone from a system focused on intensity to one that’s much more about volume and repetition. That means more throwing, more technical work, and less emphasis on lifting the heaviest weights possible.
At first, it was tough. I was tired all the time, my throws dropped off, and there were moments where I couldn’t get over 60 metres. But that’s part of the process.
Now I feel like I’m coming through that phase — the technique is improving, my mindset is getting clearer, and I’m starting to feel like myself again. That’s why I’ve held back from competing so far. I want to be ready, not just present.
Watching and supporting the European Throwing Cup
Even without competing, I’ve been following everything closely. I watched the European Throwing Cup stream and really enjoyed it — especially cheering on my training partner Aileen Kuhn. When you see someone you work with every day step into the circle, you feel every throw with them. It makes you proud.
I was also really surprised by the men’s hammer competition. Volodymyr Myslyvcuk taking the win for Czechia wasn’t something many people expected, but he played it perfectly.
He got a strong mark in early when the conditions were still good, and after that the weather turned, making it almost impossible for others to catch him. That’s part of our sport — sometimes it’s not just about distance, it’s about timing and reading the competition.
Enjoying Frankfurt flavours and vegan food
Outside of training, I’ve been settling into life in Frankfurt, and I have to say, I really enjoy it. It’s a great city — easy to get around by bike or public transport, and there’s always something new to discover.
I’ve been making a point of trying a different restaurant almost every week, just exploring and getting to know the place. That balance between training and everyday life is important, and here I feel like I’ve found a good rhythm.
I do a lot of eating - yes, that’s part of being a hammer thrower! But I’ve also made some changes there. I’m not strictly vegan or vegetarian, but at home I now cook almost entirely plant-based. This year, I decided to go fully vegan in my own cooking. It’s simple, it works for me, and it saves time.
A lot of my meals are quick — rice, vegetables in the air fryer, plant-based protein — nothing too complicated. I used to spend hours cooking every day, but now it’s much more efficient, which helps with everything else I have going on.
Do I share my hammer app or not?
Alongside training, I’ve also been working on a project that’s very close to me: my hammer throwing app. It’s essentially finished — I could release it tomorrow if I wanted to. But I’m still undecided. Part of me wants to share it, because I know how useful it can be, not just for me but for other throwers.
At the same time, there’s that competitive instinct — do I really want to give others access to something that could help them improve? It’s a bit of a dilemma, and I’m still thinking it through.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to finally start competing. If everything goes to plan, my season will begin at the Werfertage in Halle. After that, I’m aiming for Dresden, Bern and then Bergen, where I’ll combine competition with a bit of training and time with a friend in Norway. It’s a schedule I’m really looking forward to — a mix of performance, preparation and a bit of perspective.
For now, though, it’s about continuing the work, trusting the process, and making sure that when I do step into the circle, I’m ready to throw the way I know I can.
Merlin Hummel is the world silver medallist in the men's hammer throw. The German athlete is a regular columnist for European Athletics.