Page 3/3, Artikel 11. / 12. Dezember 2004, Neue Zürcher Zeitung; Christof Gertsch

There's no doubt that Markus Rogan enjoys swimming. But, he long been planning his time after the professional sport - and is already looking forward to it like mad. He would like to become an athletics spokesman in the International Olympic Committee, but perhaps he would like to be active in the business world some day. The fact that he doesn't necessarily see his future in Austrian politics is understandable. That politics is an option for him at all - one which he clearly considers to be important enough to mention - says enough about Markus Rogan, the individual.

«I am lucky to have a fantastic life ahead of me, one which many people dream of», says Markus Rogan and makes it clear that he doesn't merely want to be reduced to his sport. He describes himself as being a someone who reflects on things - and with a tendency towards to narcism. He likes to stand in the limelight. «But, I also see the danger that is hidden behind this love.» Whilst he's not afraid of the moment that his sporting success comes to an end. For through swimming, of all things, he has learned to have respect for himself, to listen to himself, to make the best of himself. «But I must take care, that I don't push myself in front of the cameras if nobody is interested in me at some point.» He understands this as the borderline between self-confidence and arrogance. There aren't many superstars in swimming. Particularly not in Austria, in the country in which - prior to Markus Rogan's silver medal - an Olympic medal was last won in 1912. The man is an inspiration people. He wants to go to the Olympics - and not be a one hit wonder. He feels the same way about opera singer and star tenor Neil Shicoff, who he recently met and who he describes as one of those famous people whose personality really impressed him. «He is even more quick-witted than I am.»