Grimm brothers once again European rowing champions: A triumphant victory!

Grimm brothers once again European rowing champions: A triumphant victory!

The European University Rowing Championships, which took place in Bydgoszcz, Poland from September 18th to 21st, 2025, were an outstanding event for the University of Passau. Julian and Lukas Grimm, the talented brothers, triumphed in the lightweight pairs and successfully defended their title from the previous year. With an impressive time of 3:22.45 minutes, they won the 1000 meter final and broke away from the field early on, demonstrating their strategic strength. By the 500 meter mark, the brothers were already one boat length ahead of the competing teams from Great Britain, Hungary and Portugal.

The duo was supported in the regatta by the Passau Rowing Club, which provided them with a boat and transport vehicle. Her trainer Dirk Rose accompanied her and contributed significantly to her success. Prof. Dr. Gereon Berschin, head of the sports center at the University of Passau, expressed his satisfaction with the title defense and emphasized the important promotion of competitive rowing at the university.

University rowing in Germany

University rowing in Germany has developed significantly in recent years. It organizes events such as the German University Championships (DHM) in rowing and ergometer rowing as well as the European University Championships (EUC and EUG) and the Student World Championships (WUC). These competitions are attractive because they offer qualification for high-level international events. Every year, around 3,500 course participants take part in the activities of the General German University Sports Association (adh), with around 1,500 advanced students and 2,000 beginners learning to row under the guidance of instructors.

Rowing is very important in Germany and is supported by a committed community of representatives and full-time employees at universities. The German University Rowing Championship brings together both beginners and experienced competitive athletes and awards a total of 18 championship titles in various disciplines. Since 2016, regular athletes have taken part in the DHM ergometer rowing and compete against each other in the winter.

The popularity of rowing

Rowing is considered one of the healthiest sports and uses all important motor groups. The German Rowing Association recorded over 86,700 members in 2024, demonstrating a continuous increase in interest in rowing since 2001. Another highlight of German rowing is the German eight, which can look back on numerous successes, including 12 world championship titles.

The association is also involved in the area of ​​data and statistics. The Rowing Bundesliga, which was launched in 2008, and the performance centers, such as the Dortmund Rowing Performance Center, which has been the home of the German eights since the 1980s, promote young talent in this traditional sport. The first known regatta took place at Putney on the Thames in 1775, and the first German rowing club was founded in 1836, highlighting the long history and popularity of rowing in Germany.