In a proud moment for German sports, Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) awarded over 70 elite athletes, including twelve rowers, with the prestigious “Silbernes Lorbeerblatt” (Silver Laurel) on Thursday. This highest state honor for sporting achievements in Germany was presented in Berlin to multiple world champions representing 15 different sports associations, among them decathlete Niklas Kaul, wrestler Frank Stäbler, and dressage rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.
Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the recognized accomplishments for this ceremony date back a bit. Notably, eleven rowers were part of the exceptional Germany Eights, which clinched World Championship titles in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) in 2018 and Linz-Ottensheim (Austria) in 2019. Most of these Eights athletes have since concluded their professional sports careers.
The honored Germany Eights from the 2018 and 2019 World Championships included: Laurits Follert (Dortmund), Malte Jakschik (Datteln), Torben Johannesen (Groß Grönau), Hannes Ocik (Garching), Maximilian Planer (Bernburg), Christopher Reinhardt (Dortmund), Martin Sauer (Dortmund), Richardt Schmidt (Dortmund), Jakob Schneider (Bochum), Johannes Weißenfeld (Dortmund), and Felix Wimberger (Bochum).
Additionally, sculler Oliver Zeidler (Munich) was recognized for his first World Championship title in the single sculls in 2019, followed by two more impressive victories.
Established in 1950 by then-President Theodor Heuss, the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt stands as Germany’s highest state recognition for sporting excellence. The criteria for this accolade extend beyond individual and team achievements, emphasizing a character marked by fair play and honorable competition.