This year's European University Championships took place in Zagreb from August 27 to 30.

After a 14-hour trip, we were able to use the first day to complete one last training session on the regatta course and explore the Croatian capital on a short sightseeing tour. The venue was exceptionally well-prepared, and we were provided with everything we needed for the competition days right on site. The many international teams, the sports-loving city, and the anticipation of the upcoming races created a very special atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for the competition days.

Helena Brenke competed there in the single sculls and delivered strong performances in the heats and semifinals. Despite challenging conditions caused by heat-induced algae growth in the regatta course, she reached the A final. There, she once again delivered a very strong performance and finished the single sculls race in an—as expected—strong international field with an outstanding fourth-place finish.

On Saturday afternoon, the final in the mixed four—featuring Helena Brenke, Karl Draper, Rune Grofer, and Merle Kellerhof—was on the schedule. Already in the lane-assignment race, the team was able to get to know their opponents and the regatta course and gain valuable experience for the final. In the final, the quartet finally played to their full potential and delivered a thrilling race. With a strong, tactical performance, the team ultimately secured the silver medal. Only the team from Portugal proved too fast to catch in the final sprint.

It was a special experience for us as a team, one we were able to share with the support of our head coach, Maximilian Pawlik.

(Text: Merle Kellerhof)