At the traditional get-together, Team Deutschland-Achter athletes came together with the coaching staff, their families and friends, as well as representatives of the Wilo-Foundation. Photo: Wilo-Foundation

Team Deutschland-Achter has come through an intense and eventful few days at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam. In a high-calibre and exceptionally fast final on Sunday, the crew finished fourth, missing out on a medal by just under 2.5 seconds. In front of a home crowd, the Netherlands defended their world title ahead of Great Britain and Australia. All three boats finished below the previous world-best time of 5:18.68 minutes, set by Team Deutschland-Achter in 2017.

Although the flagship crew of the German Rowing Federation narrowly missed the podium, its fourth-place finish marked an important step back towards the top of the world rankings. National coach Mark Emke was therefore pleased with the result: “Considering where we have come from, it was a really good race. I am incredibly proud of the team.”

Team Deutschland-Achter during the World Championship final at the regatta course in Amsterdam. Photo: Deutschland-Achter GmbH, Credit: Detlev Seyb & Maren Derlin
Team Deutschland-Achter in full focus at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam. Photo: Deutschland-Achter GmbH, Credit: Detlev Seyb & Maren Derlin

On-site support from the Wilo-Foundation

The athletes were supported during the World Championships by the Wilo-Foundation, represented by David Höltgen and Wolfgang Mertineit, both members of the Wilo-Foundation’s Executive Board. The foundation has supported Team Deutschland-Achter as a funding partner for many years and has accompanied the development of numerous young rowers.

Following the final day, the family foundation hosted its traditional Family & Friends Get-Together. In a relaxed setting, the athletes, their families and the coaching team came together with representatives of the Wilo-Foundation to reflect on the days of competition. After intensive weeks of preparation and eventful races, the gathering offered an opportunity for personal conversations, shared reflections and an exchange of experiences from the World Championships.

On behalf of the Wilo-Foundation, David Höltgen and Wolfgang Mertineit welcomed the guests and acknowledged the team’s performance. Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, the crew had impressively demonstrated its potential for further development and the progress being made along its chosen path.

Looking ahead: Los Angeles 2028 in focus

With its performances in Amsterdam, Team Deutschland-Achter sent a clear signal. The gap to the world’s leading crews has narrowed considerably, and the team continues to move in a positive direction. The focus now shifts to the upcoming international regattas and the long-term journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.