Big names with huge hopes: Germany reveals first stars for Rhine-Ruhr 2025

An Olympic Games star and a three-time international medallist are among the first raft of promising young hopefuls announced by Germany for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. The German University Sports Association (adh) has nominated a total of 16 student-athletes for rhythmic gymnastics and taekwondo. Among them are two emerging talents of the German sports scene: 'Team Rhine-Ruhr 2025' ambassadors Margarita Kolosov and Anya Kisskalt.

Kolosov is already a big name globally in rhythmic gymnastics after her outstanding performance at the Olympic Games in Paris last summer, when she narrowly missed out on the bronze medal. The 21-year-old, who is studying at the University of Stuttgart, is now aiming for gold at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games.

“After my fourth place at the Olympic Games, this is the next big highlight in my career,” Kolosov, who will compete between 17 and 19 July at Messe Essen, says.

“Competing for Germany at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games is a great honour for me - especially in my role as ambassador for German university sport.”

Kisskalt to build on Chengdu bronze

Fellow Team Rhine-Ruhr 2025 ambassador, Anya Kisskalt, is the face of taekwondo for the FISU Games this summer and brings a wealth of experience at the age of only 23. The Thai-born student-athlete was already a European Games bronze medallist in the women’s 49kg category when she repeated the feat at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu in 2023. Kissalt then added a third international bronze to her collection at the European championships in 2024. “I am really looking forward to the upcoming World University Games,” Kisskalt, who lives in Nuremberg and studies at the University of Applied Sciences in Ansbach, says.

“It's so close to home this time (so) my family and friends will be there. It will be a super cool atmosphere with cool athletes from all over the world. And with another great Opening Ceremony.” The Korean martial art will be contested in two disciplines at the FISU World University Games - poomsae and kyorugi – over seven days at Messe Essen. Notable names among the 13 other student-athletes announced by adh for taekwondo include Laura Göbel, Emily Hörmann, and Jona Pörsch.

In rhythmic gymnastics, Anastasia Simakova will be competing alongside Kolosov. The 20-year-old is coached by former Olympic silver medallist, Yuliya Raskina, who also coaches the Paris 2024 gold medallist, Darya Varfolomeev.

"My goal is to deliver a strong performance and compete against the best female athletes in the world,” Simakova says. “I'm looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of a home event - with the support of family, friends, and fans, it will certainly be a special experience.”

All nominees at a glance:

Rhythmic gymnastics:

Taekwondo:

The second phase of the Germany delegation nominations by adh is scheduled for May.