In addition to corporate banking, Monika Traub’s passion is swimming. After a 31-year break, the multiple national champion made a remarkable return to the waters and won a bronze medal at the Senior World Championships in Doha in February 2024. Returning to competitive swimming was not easy and demanded a lot of discipline and courage.
Monika Traub, a corporate customer advisor at Erste Bank Oesterreich, has been part of the Erste family for 37 years. Her journey as an Olympic athlete and record-setting swimmer paused in 1984, only to be reignited in 2015 when she returned to the senior category (“Masters”) of competitive swimming. Since then, she has won numerous Austrian competitions and medals at European championships.
What was your #believeninyourself moment?
One evening, a good friend called me and asked whether I would like to get back into swimming and compete for medals at the Senior European and Senior World Championships in Doha. Not an easy question for me – my glory days in the pool were 31 years in the past. Could I regain the peak physical condition I used to have? Despite feeling youthful and fit, I questioned whether pushing my limits again was wise, especially considering my history of injuries and surgeries from past competitions. Despite all doubts, my passion for the sport and my memories of successful competitions ultimately tipped the scales – I was ready for a fresh start.
How did it feel to jump back in at the deep end?
Fantastic! For me, water isn’t cold and wet – it’s my element, the medium through which I move and which enables me to reach my full potential.
How did you deal with training and your first competitions after a 31-year break?
Well … adapting to rigorous training routines again was a challenge, of course, but the joy of getting back in the water fuelled my determination, so I was ready to give it my all.
However, the first competitions in the “Master Class”, as the seniors category is called, didn’t meet my expectations, leading to disappointment and self-doubt. Was this comeback the right move? Was I on the right path?
What happened next? Which direction did you choose?
Quitting was never really an option. I told myself, “Chin up and adjust your crown”. I switched up my training regimen and technique and continued to train consistently, enjoying myself and keeping up a fighting spirit – without doggedness but with a disciplined approach. This is how I tackle all aspects of life, both professionally and personally. And my hard work paid off: I won numerous Austrian competitions and was
again a medal winner at European championships. Eventually, my relay teammates and I competed at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Doha, Qatar, this February and won a bronze! I was so happy! This victory fuelled my ambition for future successes. My resolve is now stronger than ever: I will continue and I want to be successful.
What would you like to pass on to your colleagues?
Balancing competitive sports with work demands unwavering support from your manager and team, something I’m fortunate and extremely grateful to have!
My recipe for success is simple: love what you do, and excellence will follow. If you are passionate about something, you can also achieve top performance. This journey has taught me that it’s never too late for a new beginning. The experience alone is worth it. And if things go wrong: accept the outcome, adjust your crown and keep going!