Shortly before redeeming his exclusive prize, the meet and greet with Joey and Luke Kelly, Thierry Mersch, the winner of the Herbacin Challenge 2020 – Digital, was invited by Herbacin for an interview. During a relaxed boat trip on the Rhine, the charming Luxembourger answered a series of questions.
Herbacin: Thierry, how does it feel to be the winner of the Herbacin Challenge 2020 – Digital?
Thierry: I still don’t have the words for it—I could burst with joy and gratitude! I’m so touched, especially because so many people supported me. That’s why I dedicate my win to everyone who stood by me. Winning the Herbacin Challenge is an absolute source of energy for me—thank you, thank you, thank you!
Herbacin: How did you first hear about the Herbacin Challenge 2020?
Thierry: Floki, one of my friends, called me and asked if the Herbacin Challenge 2020 might be something for me. I checked it out right away and applied.
Herbacin: Were you familiar with the Herbacin brand beforehand?
Thierry: Of course I knew Herbacin—through my mom’s handbag. That green tube with the camomile flower always stuck in my memory. But as a kid, I always wondered why you would use cream for your hands and not for your face (laughs).
Herbacin: Do you have a favorite product from Herbacin?
Thierry: Absolutely!!!! I’m thrilled that Herbacin also offers men’s care products—that’s something I always felt was missing! I love the Herbacin for men Camouflage Eye Roll-On and the shower gel. Both work great and have a cool design. I’m also a big fan of the Foot Care Cooling Gel—it feels so refreshing! And I really like the Herbacin Wellness Hand Cream Lavender because lavender is my all-time favorite flower!
Herbacin: What expectations did you have for the Herbacin Challenge 2020? Were they met?
Thierry: I had no expectations at all! For me, it was simply an opportunity to take on new challenges—and I love that! I never read the fine print anyway, so I had no idea what to expect. But looking back, I can only say: what an amazing challenge!
Herbacin: Where did you get all your creative ideas for completing the tasks?
Thierry: That’s hard to say. I just thought I had to make people laugh and followed my gut. But I also had some bad luck—during rope skipping, the wind kept blowing out my candles, the ball for dribbling was flat, and for the hanging challenge I first had to find a climbing frame in the park—but that actually gave me an extra boost of motivation!
Herbacin: How did you rate your chances of winning?
Thierry: Very, very low, to be honest! When I saw the other contestants’ intro videos, I thought: how is a skinny guy like me supposed to pull this off? But all that mattered to me was having fun—and showing it!
Herbacin: Who do you think was your biggest competitor?
Thierry: After the first day, I knew Eric would be tough to beat, but honestly, I just wanted to have fun. If I had seen the others as competitors instead of teammates, I would’ve been too intense—and I definitely didn’t want that!
Herbacin: Which discipline challenged you the most?
Thierry: Every discipline was equally challenging because I always had to think about how to make it fun and entertaining for the community. But if I had to pick one, I’d say rope skipping and juggling!
Herbacin: What went through your mind when you opened the box with all the items we sent you before the challenge?
Thierry: I had 1,000 question marks in my head! At first, I thought the Herbacin products were samples, I didn’t even recognize the hula hoop because it came in eight separate pieces, and I had no idea what the building blocks had to do with the challenge. But then I thought one thing above all: this could get interesting!!!
Herbacin: Are you excited about your personal winner’s day with Joey and Luke Kelly?
Thierry: Am I excited???? If there were a device to measure it, it would probably explode! I’m already super nervous! (laughs)
Herbacin: What questions do you definitely want to ask Joey and Luke when you meet them?
Thierry: I definitely want to ask Joey how he manages to handle all his projects, adventures, and athletic challenges. When I think about the RTL Charity Marathon 2018, where I was able to cross the finish line together with him, I really wonder where he gets all that energy from.
Herbacin: Is there anything else you’d like to say in closing?
Thierry: A thousand thanks!!!! The Herbacin Challenge 2020 was an absolute highlight for me! I’m so grateful to have been part of it and to have met so many amazing people. Herbacin has definitely left a mark on my life. It was unforgettable—thank you!!!
Interview: Herbacin (Caroline Wetterau)
Photos: Thierry Mersch, Herbacin Challenge 2020