The 2024 German Sportsperson of the Year Awards held at the Kurhaus Baden-Baden celebrated exceptional athletes who have shined throughout the year. The event on December 15 marked not only significant achievements within sports but also the dedication and perseverance of athletes like Oliver Zeidler, Darja Varfolomeev, and the 3x3 Women's Basketball Team.
Taking home the prestigious title of Male Sportsperson of the Year, Oliver Zeidler, the rowing champion and Olympic gold medalist, emerged victorious by just 47 points over talented swimmer Lukas Märtens. Zeidler, aged 28, who concluded the voting with 1,694 points, expressed immense gratitude during his acceptance speech, stating, "Man ist sehr dankbar, dass das so geklappt hat an diesem Tag. Man fühlt sich erleichtert, weil man sich seinen Lebenstraum erfüllt hat." This heartfelt statement reflected not only his personal triumph but also the culmination of years of hard work, particularly after overcoming challenges from previous Olympic competitions.
Zeidler’s remarkable accomplishment earned him the honor of being the second-ever rower to be recognized as Germany’s Sportsperson of the Year since 1975, following the late Peter-Michael Kolbe. Known for his determination and humility, Zeidler dedicated his win to his family, especially to his father Heino, who has been his coach and mentor. Their close-knit bond forms the backbone of Zeidler's inspiring athletic narrative.
Meanwhile, Darja Varfolomeev, the 18-year-old rhythmic gymnast, was celebrated as the Female Sportsperson of the Year after her historic Olympic success. Securing 1,888 votes, Varfolomeev expressed her elation, sharing, "Ich bin sehr glücklich, dass ich in diesem Jahr den Titel bekommen habe..." Her victory at the Paris Olympics marked her as the first-ever German to earn Olympic gold in rhythmic gymnastics, fulfilling what she considered her lifelong dream. Her emotional win was celebrated passionately by her supporters, including tennis legend Angelique Kerber, who conveyed words of encouragement and inspiration to the young athlete.
The 3x3 Women's Basketball Team, consisting of players Svenja Brunckhorst, Sonja Greinacher, Marie Reichert, and Elisa Mevius, earned the title of Team of the Year after their historic Olympic gold medal performance. Dominantly winning the vote with 2,872 points, they left behind prominent contenders, including the Bayer Leverkusen football team. Greinacher, during the awards ceremony, remarked on the significance of their achievement: "Dass wir jetzt zu diesem elitären Kreis gehören, ist einfach unbeschreiblich und macht uns alle sehr emotional." This team's success has not only elevated their status but also brought street basketball to the main stage of German sports.
The competition for the top spots was intense, with Lukas Märtens finishing closely behind Zeidler, garnering 1,647 points after his Olympic gold win in the 400 meters freestyle. Patrick Lange, the triathlon champion, followed with 1,439 points, marking his recent success as the Ironman World Champion. Varfolomeev’s closest rival, Yemisi Ogunleye, finished with 1,809 points after her unexpected win in Olympic shot put, highlighting the diversity of talent present among the country's elite athletes.
The 78th installation of these awards not only honored individual achievements but also encapsulated the essence of sportsmanship, resilience, and triumph within the German sporting community. The broader involvement from the sports journalism community and athletes themselves ensured the event was both inclusive and representative of the current sports climate.
Overall, the gala was pulsated with emotions as awardees reflected on their journeys, challenges, and victories, making it clear: 2024 was not just another sporting year. It was a backdrop for inspiring stories of tenacity and passion, forging heroes whose oath to excellence resonates through their commendable performances. The achievements of Oliver Zeidler and Darja Varfolomeev stand as testaments to the spirit of sportsmanship, promising even greater heights to come as they target future Olympic endeavors.
