Pauline Tratz in BANANATIME
BT: For people who might not know you yet, how would you introduce yourself?
Pauline: I’d say I’m someone loves to jump into new adventures and is pretty curious about challenges, people, places, feelings, everything. I grew up in the world of gymnastics, so structure and discipline have been a big part of my life from early on. Maybe that’s exactly why I’m so drawn to the other side of things now—the creative, the unpredictable, the small in-between moments that make life feel alive. One of my favorite things is wandering around with my analog camera, just noticing things—light, people, funny corners of the world. I’m definitely social and always on the move, but I also really love slowing down with friends, sitting outside somewhere, and just… being together. That kind of connection means a lot to me.
BT: You spent so many years training and competing at the highest level. How do you think growing up in the world of elite gymnastics shaped the person you are today?
Pauline: It shaped me in more ways than I probably even realize—when something’s been part of your life for 17 years, it kind of weaves into who you are. Gymnastics taught me how to be resilient, how to understand my body and mind, and how to trust myself—even under pressure. I learned to set goals, stay disciplined, and work efficiently, which I’m super grateful for. But at the same time, I’m now learning how to let go a little more too—to not always be in “performance mode,” you know? Being part of a team also gave me this deep sense of connection and purpose—it reminded me that I was part of something bigger than just myself. That perspective still helps me appreciate the opportunities I get today.
“Funny enough, I don’t think I even fully realized it was pressure at the time—it almost felt normal, because that was the world I knew.”
BT: There must’ve been a lot of pressure as a young athlete. How did you handle all ofthat back then? Was there anything that helped you stay balanced or keep things inperspective?
Pauline: Funny enough, I don’t think I even fully realized it was pressure at the time—it almost felt normal, because that was the world I knew. But looking back, there was definitely a lot going on for such a young age. What helped me stay grounded was finding that balance between focus and joy—also cherishing moments with teammates and traveling to cool places for competitions. And honestly, having a family and friends outside of the sports world made a huge difference. They reminded me that there’s more to life than results or routines, even when that was hard to believe in the middle of it all. That perspective really stayed with me.
BT: Now you are persuing your new acting carrier, could you tell us what made you want to step into acting? Was it something you always had in mind, or did it happen. more organically along the way?
Pauline: - The interest was always there in some way. Acting and filmmaking were things that definitely fascinated me—even when I was still doing gymnastics. So after I retired, I found myself really craving something new and exciting, something that would let me explore emotion, connection, and storytelling in a whole new way.
At the same time, stepping into that world felt a bit scary. It was such a different space – required a lot of vulnerability and it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. But I think that’s also what made it so meaningful. Whether I’m acting or working on a documentary, it taps into this part of me that’s always been curious about people, feelings, and the stories that shape us. I’m constantly learning—either through the characters I play or the real people I get to talk to—and that’s something that keeps me inspired every day.
BT: Are there things you learned as a gymnast that still stick with you or help you in your new path?
Pauline: For sure—but maybe not just in the obvious ways. Of course, the discipline and focus are still part of me and help me, but what also really stayed with me are the emotional experiences I went through. Gymnastics pushed me into so many intense situations which taught me a lot about who I am, how I cope, and how I relate to people. I was also surrounded by teammates in such a deep and committed way—and I got to learn so much about group dynamics, empathy, and being there for others. Now, whether I’m interviewing someone for a documentary or connecting with people through acting, I think that background helps me hold space for others, listen more closely, and try to understand where someone’s coming from. It's helped me stay open and curious, and I think that’s where magic can happen.
BT: At BANANATIME, we love celebrating those little moments you take just for yourself—to recharge, relax, and enjoy. What does your version of “BANANATIME”look like?
Pauline: To be honest, I sometimes find it hard to actively create my own BANANATIME moments—but when they happen, I really feel them. For me, it’s all about being fully in the now. That can mean walking around with my camera, just observing those small, everyday scenes that usually go unnoticed. Or it’s a spontaneous hangout with friends that turns into something beautiful—where the moment kind of takes over, and everything just flows. It’s less about doing something specific and more about feeling present, light, and a little bit free. That’s when I feel most recharged, without even trying.
BT: You’ve lived in some amazing places—Karlsruhe, LA, Berlin, and Cologne. Which one feels most like “home” to you, and why? Also, what’s one thing you’d totally recommend people do or see if they visit that city?
J & F: Each place holds a special part of my story—they all have their own personality, and I’ve taken something meaningful from each of them. But LA will always be extra special to me. It became a kind of home far away from home, especially during those formative years between 18 and 23. Living there kept me curious and constantly exploring—from driving around on my scooter through streets full of palm trees to suddenly ending up at the ocean and thinking, “Wow, I really get to live this.” Of course, LA (and the U.S. in general) also has sides I don’t align with, which is why I feel really grateful for a city like Berlin. It gives me a different kind of fulfillment—a reminder of how many ways there are to live a life.
