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Following the German Championships at the end of June, it’s time to select the team of young rowers from Germany. This year, however, the search was not only for a team for the U19 World Championships in Bulgaria, but also—for the first time—for a team for the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Lucerne.
After a multi-day competition in Berlin, Sofia Tatsis and Helene Siemmsen (both DHuGRC) qualified for the women’s single sculls, while Lynn Bäcker (RVW) and Richard Christopers (DHuGRC) each secured a spot in the eight. Conner Markowski (RCFH) was subsequently nominated for the men’s single sculls division. For the coaching staff, Nando Schmidt (DHuGRC) was nominated for the junior women’s quadruple sculls, and Charlotte Hebbelmann (LRV Hamburg) was nominated for the mixed
eight.
After a brief but intensive training camp in Potsdam, the junior national team boarded a bus headed for “Göttersee” in Lucerne. At the historic regatta course, the German national team faced off against 15 other nations from across Europe.
The event kicked off with the mixed eight race on Friday afternoon. Led by Charlotte Hebbelmann, the team won the event’s first race decisively, finishing ahead of France and Italy, and thus provided an early glimpse of this team’s capabilities.
The Coupe de la Jeunesse follows a race schedule similar to that of the BalticCup. Each morning, a timed heat was held, after which the final races were set for the afternoon. There was an awards ceremony for all races on both Saturday and Sunday.
In the women’s rowing events, Sofia Tatsis prevailed over the competition in the women’s quadruple sculls on both Saturday and Sunday and is heading home with two gold medals alongside her coach, Nando Schmidt. Helene Siemmens won one gold and one bronze medal in the women’s double sculls.
In the women’s rowing division, Lynn Bäcker suffered two losses—against Great Britain and Italy—and is heading home with two bronze medals.
In men’s rowing, Conner Markowski competed in the double sculls; despite the tough competition on the Göttersee, he managed to qualify for the A final twice.
In men’s rowing, Richard Christophers had secured a spot on the eight, but unfortunately he was unable to compete in Lucerne due to health reasons.
Overall, the German team finished in 4th place in the team standings in its debut.
For all participants, this was a great opportunity to get a taste of the international scene and gain their first experiences on international waters.
