Josia Topf Becomes Brandenburg's First Para-Athlete Athlete of the Year 2025

Josia Topf, a 22-year-old para-swimmer, has been named Brandenburg's Athlete of the Year 2025, making history as the first para-athlete to receive this prestigious title. Topf's remarkable achievements in 2025 include winning two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze at the World Championships in Singapore, where he also set a German record in the 200-meter freestyle. Additionally, at the German Short Course Championships in November, he set an unofficial world record in the 75-meter individual medley despite overcoming a previous injury period.

Building on his success from 2024, Topf secured gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Paralympic Games in Paris and was honored with the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt, Germany's highest sports award. In the voting for Brandenburg's Athlete of the Year, Topf led with 93 points, ahead of bobsledder Georg Fleischhauer (59 points) and para-sprinter Max Marzillier (40 points).

Expressing his gratitude, Topf said, "I am endlessly grateful to the state of Brandenburg for the opportunities provided to me. Without this support, I would not have been able to develop as I have." The women's category was won by bobsledder Deborah Levi from SC Potsdam, while the announcement for team of the year is expected later, with all honorees to be celebrated at the state's sports reception in January 2026.

Topf's recognition underscores his exceptional contribution to para-sport, marking a milestone for Brandenburg and Germany as he sets a benchmark for future para-athletes.