Daily Blog Day 8: FISU records and special visitors

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are already proving to be a tremendous success, with an impressive total of 16 new FISU records set so far. Athletes have delivered outstanding performances across a range of disciplines. Swimming stands out in particular, with 14 new records alone. In addition, one record was broken in athletics and another in archery, highlighting the high standard of competition and the spirit of university sporting excellence at this year’s Games.

As of today, two new sports – archery and artistic gymnastics – have joined the competition schedule at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. The city of Essen is buzzing with activity: the European Outdoor Film Tour made a stop here, and the Reception City of Essen event took place in the Championspark. The city welcomed a wide range of guests from various sectors, creating an inspiring and memorable evening.

Currently, 14 sports are being actively contested across the six host cities. The medal table is led by the USA, followed closely by China and Republic of Korea.

In Berlin, the action continues as well. Germany’s divers added another medal to their tally, with Tim Axer securing bronze from the 1-metre springboard. In the 100-metre butterfly, Björn Kammann claimed silver – marking Germany’s first swimming medal of the Games. Ole Mats Eidam placed sixth. Meanwhile, Germany’s men’s volleyball team fell short in the match for fifth place against Chinese Taipei. “That match against Japan hit me hard. Mentally, I wasn’t there, and I couldn’t shake off yesterday’s loss,” admitted Leon Meier with brutal honesty.

Today’s guest contribution comes from none other than Fabian Hambüchen – fresh from visiting the gymnastics competitions and already on the move again. Hambüchen, a celebrated Olympian, won gold at the 2016 Games, silver in London 2012, and bronze in Beijing 2008.

My visit to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games was an overwhelming success and a truly unforgettable experience. The atmosphere on site was incredible – the energy, enthusiasm, and pure joy of the crowds were felt everywhere as they poured into the venues with excitement and curiosity.

I was especially impressed by Messe Essen, where so many different sports came together in one central hub. The crowds were immense – particularly for the gymnastics competitions, which captivated audiences with their precision and intensity.

I’m not only thrilled by the professional execution of the event, but genuinely proud that Germany has managed to host such a major international sporting event at this level. The organisation, the spirit, and the athletic achievements have clearly shown that we are ready for more – and after this success, there should be nothing standing in the way of a future Olympic bid.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, spectators can look forward to 31 medal events and a concert by the band Leoniden in Essen’s Grugapark. Another highlight will be the Reception of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia at the Championspark, with Minister President Hendrik Wüst in attendance. Prior to the event, he will take a brief tour to see the sporting action for himself.