In 2024, Duisburg recognizes and rewards outstanding athletic performances in sports.
Celebrating Champions in Duisburg
Set against the bustling backdrop of this vibrant city, the annual sports awards ceremony was graced by none other than Mayor Sören Link and Werner von Häfen, chairman of the Duisburg-Sport operating committee.
Mayor Link expressed his pride, stating, "As a city, it's essential to acknowledge these accomplishments. It's not just about medals or rankings; it's about recognizing individuals who embody passion and inspire us all."
The evening was filled with more than just talks with the honorees and discussions about their sports and triumphs. LED performances and acrobatics provided an artistic framework that kept the audience captivated.
In total, 64 athletes received recognition for their extraordinary achievements at both the national and international level, excelling in individual and team sports.
Emily Menges and Max Milde from WSC Duisburg shone brightly, both clinching the German championship in cable wakeboarding. The other stellar athletes recognized were:
- Izzet Ali Erdal, who lifted the German U19 football championship with TSG Hoffenheim.
- Boxing sensations Emilio Sippel (bantamweight <52kg) and Colin Lottner (heavyweight <80kg) from Schwarz-Weiß-Westende Hamborn, who reigned supreme in the German junior boxing championship.
- Baker Nemer from Sport- and Freizeitverein Budokan, the victorious German U17 boxing champion in the Olympic discipline.
- Jose Carlos Munoz Parody from USC-Duisburg, who walked away with the German karate championship (kumite free fight <84kg). The women's team of USC-Duisburg also took home the German karate championship (kumite free fight).
- Tim Eikermann from TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the German indoor champion in the 60-meter hurdles.
- The talented Kraus family from MSV Duisburg 02 Gymnastics, who each garnered several first places at the German unicycling championship in Illertissen.
- Tiziana Kaletta and Leana Siegmund from TV Walsum Aldenrade 07, who swept the German youth or junior championship in roller skating in the Kür discipline.
- Tobias Bongers from SG Johannesberg 1926, the German billiards champion in various categories.
The predominantly female cheerleading squad from 1. ASC Duisburg Dockers 1986 showcased their skill, taking home the European cheerleading championships in various disciplines. Samantha Ebel and Emma Sölter also made their mark, winning the German cheerleading championship in the Junior Pom Dance Double discipline.
Nova Müller from KSV Duisburg-Wedau secured the second spot at the ICF Junior & Under 23 World Championships in Liptovsky (Slovakia) in the kayak K1 slalom discipline.
The rowing team from Duisburger Ruderverein also made waves, with Charlotte Scholz clinching the German championship in the U19 women's double sculls, and Paul Scholz triumphing in the U23 men's eight.
Erik Beukenbusch and Tim Riecke from 1. Meidericher KC bagged the world championship in canoe polo with the German team. The women's team of 1. MKC also excelled, winning the German championship in canoe polo.
The men's team of RESG Walsum 1937 triumphed in the cup competition of the German roller sports and inline federation.
Though the city of Duisburg is gearing up for future sports events such as the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, the IPC Athletes' Forum 2025 in Duisburg and Bonn, and IRONMAN events, this ceremony served as a testament to the talent and determination residing within the city's boundaries. These local champions, in their own way, paved the path for new aspirations and inspired all of Duisburg to chase their dreams with fervent passion.
- The annual sports awards ceremony, held in Duisburg, celebrated champions across various sports, including football, as Izzet Ali Erdal from TSG Hoffenheim lifted the German U19 football championship.
- In a different arena, Baker Nemer from Sport- and Freizeitverein Budokan excelled in hockey, becoming the German U17 boxing champion in the Olympic discipline.
- For those who enjoy golf, Max Milde from WSC Duisburg clinched the German championship in cable wakeboarding, demonstrating his passion for water sports.
- Meanwhile, in the world of basketball, Emily Menges from the same club also shone brightly, winning the German championship with her team.
- Beyond these popular sports, Tobias Bongers from SG Johannesberg 1926 captured the German billiards championship in several categories, proving that there is plenty of room for sports-betting enthusiasts to find inspiration in the city's talented athletes.
