Six Renowned Athletes Inducted into Hall of Fame of German Sports in 2025

The Hall of Fame of German Sports is set to welcome six distinguished athletes in its 2025 induction, honoring their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective sports and society. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 19, 2025, in Frankfurt/Main, where six new members will join the ranks of the current 137 honored athletes.

The new inductees are football icon Philipp Lahm, NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, and four accomplished female athletes: Greta Blunck (hockey), Kathrin Boron (rowing), Britta Heidemann (fencing), and Maria Riesch (alpine skiing). Collectively, these athletes have amassed 54 international medals, including 12 Olympic medals.

Greta Blunck is celebrated for pioneering women's hockey in Germany and her dedication to social integration. Kathrin Boron stands as Germany's most successful rower, boasting 18 medals from major competitions. Britta Heidemann achieved the rare "Golden Triple" in fencing with medals across three Olympic Games, advocating for cultural understanding through sport. Maria Riesch is a three-time Olympic gold medalist with two world championship titles, admired for her resilience in alpine skiing.

Philipp Lahm, the former German national football team captain, is best known for leading Germany to the 2014 World Cup title and is active in numerous social initiatives promoting values like fair play and teamwork. Dirk Nowitzki, a celebrated basketball figure, has earned widespread recognition not only for his sporting excellence but also his philanthropic efforts and commitment to youth advocacy.

Thomas Weikert, president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, highlighted the exemplary careers and societal contributions of these athletes, noting their embodiment of responsibility and teamwork. The Hall of Fame's induction continues its tradition of honoring sports figures who have significantly impacted both their disciplines and society at large.

This 2025 induction underscores the legacy and cultural significance these athletes hold in German sports history, celebrating their perseverance, excellence, and commitment beyond competition.