Marburg rowing teams shine at the FISU World University Games 2025!

Marburg rowing teams shine at the FISU World University Games 2025!

On August 12, 2025, two mixed quad four teams from Philipps University Marburg took part in the FISU World University Games 2025 in Duisburg. After qualifying after just 15 weeks of intensive rowing training, the teams competed in the international novice field. Despite their lack of experience, they achieved 10th and 11th place out of a total of 12 participating teams in the final. Coach Nils Nagel described the atmosphere as overwhelming and described the event as a special award after short preparation.

The rowing course, which began in April at the University Sports Center, attracted many participants who had no previous rowing experience. Under the guidance of Nils Nagel and Zenon Hacker, the rowers learned the basics of rowing, including technique and regatta tactics. At the German University Championships in Krefeld, which took place in July, the Marburg teams secured two coveted starting places for the World University Games. Daniel Riechmann supported the event with his “rowing workshop” and provided the necessary boat material for the novice teams.

Performances of the Marburg teams

The challenges of the FISU World University Games are considerable, as the Marburg mixed gig foursome competed against strong competition, including the Cologne Sport University as well as universities from Kiel, Tübingen, Duisburg-Essen, Kassel, the Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences and the DHBW Mosbach. In the B final, the boat with rowers Hannah Oertel, Malte Sommer, Simon Ebentheuer, Anna Sinianskaia and helmsman Eike Pohlenz took fourth place with a time of 2:00.31 minutes. The second team, consisting of Johanna Lademann, Lukas David Rimpl, Christopher Laabs, Isabelle Anschütz and helmsman Miriam Fiedelius, finished the race in 2:07.43 minutes.

The FISU World University Games are considered the Olympic equivalent for students and include a total of 18 sports. In Rhine-Ruhr 2025, over 8,500 students took part in the competitions. The novice races took place as part of the rowing regatta in Duisburg. Daniel Otto, alumnus of the Marburg university team, highlighted the opportunity for international exchange and the unique flair of the student summer games.

RUHR GAMES 25 and their integration

In addition to the FISU World University Games competitions, the RUHR GAMES 25 will also take place in North Rhine-Westphalia from July 16 to 27, 2025. This event, which is part of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, brings together highlight events such as demonstration competitions in action sports as well as new Olympic disciplines. Historically developed features, such as live music, cultural events and international youth meetings, are intended to give the events additional shine. The RUHR GAMES have been an established part of the region since they were first held, with the events taking place against the picturesque backdrop of the Jahrhunderthalle in Westpark Bochum.

Regional director Garrelt Duin emphasized the positive atmosphere created by the combination of trend sports, street art activities and live music. Niklas Börger, Managing Director of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU GAMES gGmbH, highlighted the potential sustainable effects of the proposed cooperation for the region. This is not only intended to strengthen the RUHR GAMES brand, but also to enrich the cultural life of the region.

uni-marburg.de reports that the event represents a significant sporting and cultural highlight of the season for both the athletes involved and the region. The games promise not only competition, but also international cultural exchange and an educational experience that goes beyond sport. The harmony of sporting performance and cultural flair will have a lasting impact on the Rhine-Ruhr region.