German rowers hoping to make waves on home water

DUISBURG - Germany’s promising talents are aiming to enjoy themselves as well as excel on the Regattabahn Duisburg at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.

Germany has a significant rowing history within its universities. Institutions such as the Ruhr-Universität Bochum carry a powerful reputation, specifically in coxless racing. Among its students, Jasper Angl (GER) will be competing in the men’s coxless four, looking to secure a place on the podium.

"Of course it is my goal to win a medal – but it is just as important for me to develop further as an athlete and to enjoy the event," Angl told the FISU Games News Service.

These FISU Games will probably be the last for the 25-year-old – who is hoping to end his rowing career by the age of 28 to become a computer scientist – and he is determined to make the most of it.

Raised by a mother who shared his passion for rowing, Angl was taught to embrace the endurance component of his discipline at an early age. Success had to rely on intensive training and pain quickly became a natural part of the equation.

“In the best case, we train six days a week and two to three times a day,” Angl told the German channel WDR. “Being a rower also means having fun hurting yourself."

While combining sport and studies may be a challenge to many, Angels saw it as a pleasure rather than a chore.

“Studying challenges my mind, training challenges my body – the variety helps me to stay motivated in both areas,” he told Ruhr Universität Bochum’s media services.

Young talents

Among Germany’s other prominent talents, Alexandra Föster is certainly one to watch. The three-time World Rowing U23 champion secured seventh place in the women’s single sculls at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“I only have a few competitions this season, making it even cooler to take part in the FISU Games – not only in my own country, but also in my own state,” she said. “I'm looking forward to the atmosphere, which is always special at such multi-sport events.”

Jonas Gelsen and Marc Weber, who secured silver at the 2024 World Rowing Cup III in men’s double sculls, will be among Germany’s other contenders.

Eyes will also be on Italian sculler Giovanni Borgonovo (ITA). The 22-year-old has twice claimed gold at the U23 World Championships and won gold and silver medals at the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games.

According to Mohammed Taeib (GER), former rower and sports manager of the 2025 FISU Games, the Netherlands and New Zealand have also sent strong delegations, but has no doubt who will be the team to beat. “The German team will be rowing in front of their home crowd and so they need to do well,” he said.

The rowing takes place on the final three days of competition, 25-27 July.

FGNS ib+em/lm/mb