On December 15, 2024, Baden-Baden hosted the ‘Athletes of the Year’ awards, honoring Germany’s top sports figures. Rowing champion Oliver Zeidler and rhythmic gymnast Darja Varfolomeev claimed the top individual awards, while the women’s 3×3 basketball team earned ‘Team of the Year’ after their Olympic gold victory. The gala celebrated remarkable achievements, attracting a star-studded audience and showcasing competitive voting among athletes, reflecting Germany’s sporting excellence. The event was broadcasted on SWR Aktuell Baden-Württemberg.
A Thrilling Evening in Baden-Baden: Athletes of the Year 2024 Announced
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the prestigious ‘Athletes of the Year’ awards took place in Baden-Baden, celebrating the remarkable achievements of German sports stars. In the men’s category, rowing Olympic champion Oliver Zeidler took the top honor, while rhythmic gymnast Darja Varfolomeev triumphed in the women’s category. Additionally, the women’s 3×3 basketball team was honored as the ‘Team of the Year’ following their Olympic success.
Close Contests and Historic Wins
The women’s race was particularly competitive, with Darja Varfolomeev from Schmiden receiving 1,888 votes, just edging out shot putter Yemisi Ogunleye from Mannheim, who garnered 1,809 votes. Both athletes shone at the Paris Olympics, claiming gold medals, along with dressage competitor Jessica von Bredow-Werndl from Aubenhausen, who finished third with 1,274 votes. Varfolomeev made headlines by securing Germany’s first-ever gold in rhythmic gymnastics for the all-around competition at the young age of 17. Now at 18, she proudly holds the title of Germany’s ‘Athlete of the Year’ for 2024.
The German women’s 3×3 basketball team celebrated their title after an incredible Olympic gold medal victory. The team, consisting of Svenja Brunckhorst, Sonja Greinacher, Marie Reichert (all from Hanover), and Elisa Mevius (Rendsburg), amassed an impressive 2,872 votes, significantly outpacing Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s football team, which received 1,712 votes despite their national double win.
Reflecting on their achievement, Greinacher expressed her emotions, saying, “One has looked up to Olympic champions their whole life, and that we now belong to this elite small circle is still indescribable.”
The German men’s national handball team secured third place with 1,196 votes, showcasing their talent during the Olympic tournament, including a thrilling quarter-final match against host France that ended in a nail-biting 35:34 after extra time. They ultimately claimed silver after a tough final against Denmark.
In the men’s category, Oliver Zeidler emerged victorious with 1,694 votes, narrowly defeating swimming Olympic champion Lukas Märtens (1,647 votes) and triathlete Patrick Lange (1,439 votes). Zeidler redeemed his previous disappointment at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by winning gold in Paris, marking a significant milestone as the first German winner in single sculling since Thomas Lange in 1992.
Describing his triumphant race, Zeidler shared, “It was a race for eternity,” and reflected on the fulfillment of his lifelong dream with his election as ‘Athlete of the Year.’
The gala evening was steeped in tradition, marking the 78th time the ‘Athletes of the Year’ were celebrated in Baden-Baden. The Bénazet Hall of the Kurhaus was adorned festively, evoking memories of many outstanding sports moments, particularly from the Olympics.
The event drew a star-studded audience, including Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber, gymnastics legend Fabian Hambüchen, track cycling star Kristina Vogel, and current athletes like 100-meter sprinter Gina Lückenkemper, football world champion Matthias Ginter, and swimming sensation Florian Wellbrock. Longtime sports figures such as handball coach Heiner Brand and gymnast Eberhard Gienger were also in attendance among nearly 700 guests.
Approximately 3,000 members of the ‘Association of German Sports Journalists’ were eligible to vote for the awards, with nominations compiled by athletes from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS).
For those interested, the ceremony was broadcasted on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 7:45 PM on SWR Aktuell Baden-Württemberg.