When Alexandra Popp was stood in close proximity to a silverback and put her hands through the bars she made a resolution. “I can’t describe it, it was an unbelievable moment,” explained the Germany international when thinking back to her encounter with a gorilla today. “We looked each other in the eyes, even thought you shouldn’t do that with apes. It just happened.” Since this magical moment during her six week work experience placement at Duisberger Zoo in 2011, she knew she wanted to be a zookeeper as well as a professional footballer. Alexandra Popp played for FCR 01 Duisburg (a part of MSV Duisberg) at the time. She began her apprenticeship at Essehof zoo just after her transfer to VfL Wolfsburg, “I finished it last year after three and a half years,” she explained.
Every time that Alexandra Popp is at a training camp with the national team like the one currently taking place in Barsinghausen, she always asks in advance whether there is a zoo nearby. “I can really relax there. I also like to go alone to the zoo to stay grounded,” she said. “It gives me absolute balance.” The 25-year-old has been fully focused on her football after finishing her placement. She now only visits the zoo in her free time. “I have to say that I do really miss working with the animals. However, it wasn’t possible to keep it up alongside playing at the top level because it is also a physical challenge,” she said.
“It's more fun with the ball”
Alexandra Popp will need all of her strength on the way to the Olympic Games. She has been preparing for the Olympic football tournament in Brazil (3rd to 20th August) with the Germany women’s national team since 20th June. There will be a four day break after the nine day training camp in Grassau, after which the DFB women will continue working towards the Olympics in Barsinghausen. “I feel great,” said Alexandra Popp. “It’s more fun on the second training camp where we will get to work with the ball more. I believe that we are all very much on the right track. You can see on the training ground every day that we all want it.”
It is a dream to be at the Olympic Games for Alexandra Popp. “Everyone tries to leave everything out there on the training ground, in order to be have the opportunity a part of it. I feel very good physically and I am fully motivated. I am really up for the Olympics!”
The fact that the Olympic Games will be in Brazil gives the zoo keeper a special incentive. “Many of the animals I have worked with come from South America or Brazil,” she explained. So the small monkeys the she enjoys having sat on her shoulder are also a reason why Alexandra Popp wants to travel to the Olympics.
When Alexandra Popp was stood in close proximity to a silverback and put her hands through the bars she made a resolution. “I can’t describe it, it was an unbelievable moment,” explained the Germany international when thinking back to her encounter with a gorilla today. “We looked each other in the eyes, even thought you shouldn’t do that with apes. It just happened.” Since this magical moment during her six week work experience placement at Duisberger Zoo in 2011, she knew she wanted to be a zookeeper as well as a professional footballer. Alexandra Popp played for FCR 01 Duisburg (a part of MSV Duisberg) at the time. She began her apprenticeship at Essehof zoo just after her transfer to VfL Wolfsburg, “I finished it last year after three and a half years,” she explained.
Every time that Alexandra Popp is at a training camp with the national team like the one currently taking place in Barsinghausen, she always asks in advance whether there is a zoo nearby. “I can really relax there. I also like to go alone to the zoo to stay grounded,” she said. “It gives me absolute balance.” The 25-year-old has been fully focused on her football after finishing her placement. She now only visits the zoo in her free time. “I have to say that I do really miss working with the animals. However, it wasn’t possible to keep it up alongside playing at the top level because it is also a physical challenge,” she said.
“It's more fun with the ball”
Alexandra Popp will need all of her strength on the way to the Olympic Games. She has been preparing for the Olympic football tournament in Brazil (3rd to 20th August) with the Germany women’s national team since 20th June. There will be a four day break after the nine day training camp in Grassau, after which the DFB women will continue working towards the Olympics in Barsinghausen. “I feel great,” said Alexandra Popp. “It’s more fun on the second training camp where we will get to work with the ball more. I believe that we are all very much on the right track. You can see on the training ground every day that we all want it.”
It is a dream to be at the Olympic Games for Alexandra Popp. “Everyone tries to leave everything out there on the training ground, in order to be have the opportunity a part of it. I feel very good physically and I am fully motivated. I am really up for the Olympics!”
The fact that the Olympic Games will be in Brazil gives the zoo keeper a special incentive. “Many of the animals I have worked with come from South America or Brazil,” she explained. So the small monkeys the she enjoys having sat on her shoulder are also a reason why Alexandra Popp wants to travel to the Olympics.
