Talent. Passion. Team spirit. What characterizes the Berghof DNA "Moving Forward" makes Tobias Heinzelmann a very important pillar of his team. Why his fans see him as a special identification figure, why handball fascinates him over and over again, and why team sports have a very special quality for him, is revealed to us in an interview by the HBW Balingen-Weilstetten handball pro, who plays under the patronage of the Berghof Group.

You started playing handball when you were just five years old. So this sport has been playing a defining role in your life for almost 20 years. What fascinates you about this sport, and what motivates you time and time again?

Handball is a very fast, athletic sport that challenges you as a player both physically and mentally.

And this is true for the entire duration of a game: There are hardly any rest periods in handball, every game can turn completely within a very short time.

That's why you always need to be fully on top of things and at your best. You can't afford to be slack. The whole team needs you and your strengths and counts on you.

This offers a special opportunity: When things go well, as they did for us last season, there's a real pull that carries everyone along.

Shared success creates a bond and a very special team spirit. And connections are made that go far beyond the sport and enrich my life.

A very valuable experience.

That sounds as if team sports and also working in a team has a very special quality for you and as if it gives you a lot personally?

Yes, definitely. I like being part of a strong, successful team and think it’s nice to dedicate myself and my strengths for the common goal and, in return, to benefit from the strengths of others and learn from them.

Of course, each of us also has his own individual goals. But to achieve them, each of us has to do his best – that is what pushes us all.

And if one member of the team isn't doing so well, we motivate him and lift him up with us.

There is this well-known saying: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I think that's absolutely true in team sports.

And with successful companies, of course, it's just the same. The Berghof Group is the best example of this. I have already felt this clearly during my first visit to Berghof.

Almost 20 years of success in handball – that certainly adds up to a lot of unforgettable moments of success. Is there an event that particularly stands out in your memory?

Yes, definitely. This is the game in which we clinched the 2nd Bundesliga championship and direct promotion to the 1st Bundesliga ahead of schedule last season.

Of course, with the possible big victory in sight, we were more motivated than ever – and played like we were in trance. On this day, everything just worked out, everyone went above and beyond.

The whole arena was upside down, the atmosphere was simply incredible – pure goose bumps and shivers!

For such unique moments, it's definitely worth it to train hard all year, often twice a day, to get better and better.

That's why I can identify 100 percent with the Berghof DNA "Moving Forward" and why I am very proud and happy to play under the patronage of the Berghof Group.

Whether in competitive sports or in professional life: Hard work, perseverance and team spirit are the keys to success – and setbacks exist to learn from them and do even better in the future.

I think it's important to always keep on evolving and learning from others – and to always be passionate and have fun while doing it.