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Shortly before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Federal Institute of Sport Science is presenting initial findings on the significance of elite and competitive sports in Germany, which stem from a research project conducted by the German Sport University. One finding: National identity and international prestige are stable, long-term concepts on which elite and competitive sports appear to have only a short-term and minor influence. Prof. David Jaitner, Ph.D., head of the Institute of Pedagogy and Philosophy at the German Sport University Cologne, conducted the research project “The Social Significance of Elite and Competitive Sports in Germany” (GUIDE) in collaboration with Dr. Jannika John (University of Tübingen) and Prof. Michael Mutz (Justus Liebig University Giessen). The project team examined how important athletes are to society and what people in Germany expect from elite and competitive sports. Elite and competitive sports are constantly required to justify their existence. Against this backdrop, there are ongoing academic and public discussions about whether the value of elite sports should be measured not only by how successful athletes are and how many records and medals they set. Public acceptance and societal impact — that is, how people perceive elite and competitive sports and how they influence society — should also be taken into account. It is often assumed — and presented as scientifically proven — that society benefits from athletic role models and that elite sports strengthen athletic values and national identity while enhancing international prestige. These values are frequently cited as the reason why the government supports elite sports in Germany. Is this really the case? The GUIDE project team aims to provide facts for these sports policy discussions and, to this end, has conducted systematic literature reviews and carried out a survey among youth and adults. Among other things, the public survey asked what people think about elite and competitive sports. Several experiments helped in this effort. The results presented here are preliminary; the project will continue through the end of May. Selected findings and conclusions: Performance-related values are firmly anchored in the public perception of elite and competitive sports, whereas social values are selective, ambivalent, and context-dependent. From the public’s perspective, athletic successes at the Olympic Games contribute to national pride and Germany’s international prestige. The decisive factor here is the number of medals won, which should be spread across as many (popular) sports as possible. People consider elite and competitive sports to be effective and beneficial in numerous — though not all — societal aspects. These expectations should not be equated with actual effects, but they are nonetheless relevant to the support and legitimacy of elite and competitive sports. There is a lack of comprehensive findings on the potential influence of elite and competitive sports on the various forms of sports participation in conjunction with key factors, e.g., individual abilities and social environment, structural exclusion mechanisms affecting marginalised population groups, as well as the design of public spaces and the condition of (sports) infrastructure. National identity and international prestige are stable, long-term concepts over which elite and competitive sports appear to have only a short-term and limited influence. Furthermore, the effects of elite and competitive sports do not arise automatically: with regard to national identity, sporting successes witnessed by a large number of emotionally engaged people are required. With regard to international standing, major sporting events and sporting successes do not automatically guarantee gains in prestige. Detailed information on the study and fact sheets with the results can be found on the website of the Federal Institute of Sport Science . Contact: Univ.-Prof. Dr. David Jaitner

Digital media are increasingly becoming part of everyday school life — including in physical education classes. But how do young people themselves feel about this? A recent study by the Institute of Psychology at the German Sport University Cologne shows that students are divided on the acceptance of digital media in physical education classes. As part of the study, Juliane Mackenbrock and Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert surveyed a total of 291 teenagers (153 girls and 138 boys) between the ages of 14 and 18. The aim of the study was to systematically assess both support for digital media and any potential reservations. Two Camps with Different Perspectives The results paint a nuanced picture: The students surveyed are divided almost evenly into two groups — those who support the use of digital media in physical education and those who are critical of it. It becomes particularly clear that acceptance depends heavily on the specific way the media is used. “While applications in the entertainment sector — such as music to accompany movement — are viewed predominantly positively, other forms, such as digital movement instructions or feedback systems, meet with only moderate approval,” explains Juliane Mackenbrock. Enjoyment and Usefulness Promote Acceptance Another finding of the study: Perceived enjoyment and usefulness have a positive effect on support for digital media. Social expectations, on the other hand — that is, the feeling of having to use digital media because others expect it — tend to foster resistance. “It is also noteworthy that around half of the respondents provided specific counterarguments in their open-ended responses. Many young people emphasised that physical education is primarily about physical activity and that digital media could distract from the actual goal of the class,” notes Prof. Jens Kleinert. Critical media literacy as a positive sign From the research group’s perspective, this nuanced attitude is a positive outcome. Mackenbrock: “The study shows that young people do not adopt digital developments uncritically, but rather evaluate their relevance based on context.” According to the researchers, digitisation in physical education cannot therefore be assumed to be positive in principle, but should always be didactically justified and used in a manner appropriate to the situation. Kleinert: “The results underscore the importance of a reflective and scientifically guided integration of digital media into school physical education programmes.” The study is part of the Com e Sport collaborative project — a network of 11 universities that researches how digital innovations can be integrated into sportds teacher training in a meaningful and pedagogically sound way. Further information: About the study | ComeSport project Contact: Department of Psychology Juliane Mackenbrock, 0221/4982-5514, j.mackenbrock@dshs-koeln.de Prof. Dr. Jens Kleinert, 0221/ 4982-5490, kleinert@dshs-koeln.de “Funded by the European Union — NextGenerationEU — and supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMBFSFJ) (Grant No.: 01JA23K02G). The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, the European Commission, or the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth. Neither the European Union, the European Commission, nor the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth can be held responsible for them.”

After three years of collaboration with partners from six European countries, the Erasmus+ project PLUSS – LGBTQI+ Policy and Leadership in Sport and Society has been successfully completed. The goal of the project was to develop concrete tools to strengthen inclusion in sports in a sustainable way. Researchers in the field of diversity studies at the German Sport University Cologne, together with sports clubs, organisations, and activists — and under the leadership of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) — translated the findings into practical steps that can help create more inclusive leadership and environments in grassroots sports. “Sport should be a place where everyone can participate without fear or barriers,” said Hugh Torrance, co-president of the EGLSF. “PLUSS shows that inclusion becomes a reality when clubs are given the necessary tools, confidence, and support.” One concrete solution that emerged is the so-called GAME Plan (Governance, Advocacy, Membership, Events), which supports sports organisations in developing more inclusive structures. In addition, a research report, a practical guide for sports organisations, and a position paper with recommendations for policymakers and sports federations were published. Press contact: German Sport University Cologne, Institute for Sociology and Gender Studies, Department of Diversity Research Prof. Ilse Hartmann-Tews Dr. Birgit Braumüller You can find more information about the +PLUSS project on the website of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF).

On 4 March 2026, University Professor Dr. Jürgen Mittag participated in the public hearing of the German Bundestag’s Committee on Sports and Volunteer Work and presented his statement on the topic “Trend Sports: Opportunities and Challenges for Sports in Germany.” In his statement, Prof. Mittag describes trend sports as socially shaped forms of physical activity that have emerged since the 1980s. They differ from traditional sports in terms of new motivations, organisational forms, and lifestyle connections, and are strongly influenced by the media, innovation, and cultural change. Trend sports offer recreational sports new opportunities to reach diverse target groups and modernise programme structures; at the same time, however, they present challenges for clubs and sports policymakers regarding integration, promotion, and institutional adaptation. Trend sports can also provide impetus for rejuvenation and media appeal in competitive and Olympic sports, but they require a delicate balance between institutionalisation and the preservation of their original subculture. You can read Prof. Mittag’s full statement on the Bundestag’s website . The recording of the session is available in the Bundestag’s media library (timestamp: 01:16:00). For more information on the 18th meeting of the Committee on Sports and Volunteer Work, see the press release dated 26 February 2026 .

Prof. Stephan Wassong, head of the Olympic Studies Centre at the German Sport University Cologne, and Cologne Mayor Torsten Burmester met at Cologne City Hall. Wassong presented the mayor with the book “The Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement: Just Ask!”, which the Olympic Studies Centre published in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport in Magglingen. The book is being released shortly after the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr Olympic bid, with Cologne as the leading city, was launched. The President's Office of the German Sport University also welcomes and supports Germany’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044 ( click here for a statement ). According to Torsten Burmester, himself a graduate of the German Sport University, the book is a great opportunity for the public and interested citizens to learn about the Olympic Games. In addition, Prof. Wassong presented Mr. Burmester with an interesting historical artifact from Cologne’s first bid for the Olympics at the national level: the trilingual brochure “Cologne: City of Sports,” which was presented to IOC members by Mayor Adenauer along with an invitation to Cologne on the occasion of the 1930 Olympic Congress. This demonstrates that Cologne has been a city of sports for over 100 years.

The Department of Performance Psychology was active at the World Congress of Sport Psychology in Hong Kong. At the 16th World Congress of the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) in Hong Kong, members of the Department of Performance Psychology represented the German Sport University Cologne with a wide-ranging scientific programme. Prof. Markus Raab opened the conference with a keynote address titled “ The Power of Simplicity — How to Choose and Act ” and provided insights into his work as editor of Psychology of Sport and Exercise . Dr. Laura Voigt and doctoral candidate Patricia Grove presented current research on information processing and mindfulness interventions in sports. Additional highlights included two practical workshops by Dr. Sylvain Laborde on breathing techniques, HRV measurements, and the Vagal Tank Theory, as well as a poster presentation by doctoral candidate Hanna de Haan on emotional and cognitive inhibition throughout the menstrual cycle. Organised by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the conference brought together international experts from research and practice from 8 to 12 December 2025, and provided a global forum for the exchange of ideas on innovations in sport psychology.

Surgery — especially when performed to treat underlying cancer — is a major physical strain on the human body, comparable to running a marathon. To prepare patients optimally for this, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is now funding a large-scale collaborative project at the University Hospital of Cologne and the Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne with approximately 3.4 million euros over the next three years. The German Sport University Cologne is also participating. The goal of this multicentre clinical study is to scientifically demonstrate the benefits of physical training, dietary changes, and psychological support prior to major abdominal tumor surgeries — known as multimodal prehabilitation — and to decipher the underlying cellular mechanisms. The project brings together the expertise of the Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine and the Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Transplant Surgery at the University Hospital of Cologne in collaboration with sports medicine specialists from the German Sport University Cologne and the TU Dortmund University. “Our goal is a measurable reduction in complications following major abdominal tumor surgeries,” explains anesthesiologist Prof. Dr. Robert Schier of the University Hospital of Cologne. “We want to show that patients who are physically prepared going into surgery recover more quickly, tolerate complications better, and enjoy a higher quality of life after the operation.” The approach is translational, meaning it directly links clinical observations with basic research. While patients complete a structured prehabilitation program, the researchers simultaneously investigate exactly what is happening in the body. What makes this study unique is the depth of its analysis. It’s not just about whether prehabilitation helps, but why. “We’re analysing the effects at the cellular level,” explains Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Bloch of the German Sport University Cologne. “The focus is on mechanisms of inflammatory regulation — also known as inflammation — the body’s own tumor defense mechanisms, and the regeneration of blood vessels,” adds Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Zimmer of TU Dortmund University, who, together with Univ.-Prof. Dr. Tobias Kammerer of the University Hospital of Cologne and other collaborating partners, is coordinating the biobanking and translational aspects of the study. This interdisciplinary clinical study also makes it possible, for the first time, to investigate the long-term effects of prehabilitation on the prognosis of cancer following surgery. “In the future, prehabilitation will be an essential component of multimodal therapy for gastrointestinal tumors — not least to enable individually tailored surgery for each patient. This makes it all the more important that we understand the molecular and cell biological mechanisms behind it,” explains Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christiane J. Bruns, Director of the Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Transplant Surgery and a member of the Executive Board at the University Hospital of Cologne. The researchers’ hypothesis: Targeted training has a systemic anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the body’s resources in such a way that surgical stress is better tolerated. In the long term, this will change the standards for surgical preparation worldwide. The approval of funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft underscores the relevance of perioperative medicine and the strength of an interdisciplinary collaboration between cutting-edge clinical medicine and excellence in sports science in North Rhine-Westphalia. Contact for inquiries: Mirko Ristau, Team Leader, Corporate Communications, Corporate Communications and Marketing Department, University Hospital Cologne, Tel.: +49 221 478-5548, Email: presse@uk-koeln.de

From the physical aptitude test to a sports degree programme — two videos chronicle the journey to the German Sport University Cologne. Studying sports — it’s a dream for many. But before they can get started, applicants to Germany’s only sports university must take the physical aptitude test: over 1,000 applicants, 19 individual events across a wide variety of disciplines, and a very long day of testing. The two videos from alpha Uni follow Amelie and Mike on this journey. First, through the nerve-wracking physical aptitude test, where a ten-hour day of sports determines whether their dream of studying sports will come true. The second film continues the story: Both have passed and are starting their first semester. Amelie is studying “Sports and Health in Prevention and Therapy,” while Mike has chosen to pursue a degree in teacher training to become a teacher. The videos provide authentic insights into the requirements, everyday student life, and career prospects. Video: Physical Aptitude Test Video: Sports Studies

AOK Rheinland/Hamburg and the German Sport University Cologne jointly carried out an innovative training project in which young people from socially disadvantaged neighborhoods were trained to become fitness coaches. The project relied on the proven peer-to-peer approach and was designed to lead to the development of low-threshold exercise programs directly within the target group’s living environment. The Concept: By Peers, for Peers The exercise coach program takes a holistic approach to health promotion in the community. Young people from selected neighborhoods are empowered to independently plan and carry out sports and physical activity programs for their peers. The focus is not only on promoting physical activity but also on strengthening health literacy and the personal development of the participants. The training program is based on the “Sports Assistant” training concept of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Sports Federation (Landessportbund NRW) and was developed specifically for the setting of youth centers and schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The participatory nature of the program is particularly important: The future exercise coaches come from these neighborhoods themselves and understand the needs and interests of their peers. First, participants learn theoretical foundations, including knowledge about the health effects of physical activity and exercise recommendations, planning physical activity programs tailored to specific target groups, as well as didactic and methodological skills for leading groups and communication strategies. This is followed by a practical phase, during which participants complete at least four observation sessions with experienced exercise instructors, followed by supervision of an exercise session or a teaching demonstration conducted independently. Implementation The project was carried out in Cologne between November 2022 and June 2025 in three rounds: The first round began in April 2023 with eight young adults aged 16 to 22, five of whom successfully completed the theoretical training. In April 2024, six people qualified, including, for the first time, educational professionals from youth centers; this tandem training proved valuable for ensuring the program’s long-term integration into the facilities. From November through December 2024, six high school students participated, three of whom successfully completed the entire program, including the practical phase, and received their certificates. Successes and Impact: Strong Self-Confidence and New Perspectives All participants rated the training program positively. They found the content on independently planning and conducting exercise sessions, on communication and working with groups, and on the impact of exercise on health to be particularly helpful. The subjectively perceived gain in competence was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with participants rating their confidence in planning exercise sessions at an average of 4.6 points. They also felt significantly more confident in identifying potential hazards and safely conducting exercise sessions. A particular success: Even participants who did not fully complete the formal practical phase (Level II) independently initiated exercise programs at their youth centers or at neighboring elementary schools. One participant from Meschenich even established a part-time self-employment venture as a personal trainer. Challenges and Solutions The biggest challenge for the participants lay in the practical phase: Many did not initially complete the required observations. In response, a buddy system was established, in which well-connected students from the sports university supported the participants in organizing observation placements at sports clubs and other providers. In addition, the number of required observation placements was reduced from eight to four. The close guidance provided by contact persons directly at the youth centers and the school proved particularly successful. At the Heinrich-Böll Comprehensive School, the intensive support from the physical education teacher enabled all three successful graduates to complete the qualification program. Outlook and Recommendations The Exercise Coach project demonstrates how sustainable health promotion can succeed in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods. For future iterations, the project leaders recommend: Greater involvement of educational professionals in tandem training programs Creation of centralized training programs that allow for individual registrations from various institutions Closer supervision by designated contact persons at the institutions Flexible structuring of the practical phase with a focus on on-site implementation The Movement Coach project makes a valuable contribution to reducing health inequalities and creating environments that encourage physical activity. By training local advocates, sustainable structures are established that have an impact far beyond the project’s duration. The project was funded by AOK Rheinland/Hamburg – Die Gesundheitskasse and carried out by the German Sport University Cologne, Institute for Movement and Neuroscience, Department of Physical Activity and Health Promotion.

Dinah Pfizenmaier (34) served as head coach of the Westphalian Tennis Association until 2025. While working full-time, she successfully completed the continuing education master’s program “Leadership and Management in Elite Sports.” What made you decide to enroll in the master’s program in continuing education titled “Leadership and Management in Elite Sports”? It has always been my goal to earn a master’s degree. When I saw that the German Sport University Cologne was offering this program, I recognized a great opportunity to pursue a master’s degree alongside my job as head association coach at the tennis association — a program that also aligns perfectly with my field of work. What is your athletic background? As a child, I did gymnastics and played soccer and tennis. At age 13, I decided to focus entirely on tennis and later reached No. 79 in the world rankings. My highlights were always the Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne, Paris, London, and New York, which I was able to compete in several times. After my playing career, I became a coach and later the head coach of the Westphalia Tennis Association. Why did you think the degree program would help you professionally — and has that been confirmed in hindsight? As head coach of the association, it was important to take on a leadership role — both for the athletes and for my fellow coaches. It was also about continuously developing the structural framework for competitive sports within the association. That’s why I found the two components of leadership skills and management particularly fascinating. I learned a lot during the two years of the program and was able to apply it in my job. The content of the program also helps me a great deal in my current role as a coordinator for the coaching pool at the State Sports Federation. The master’s program is designed for people who are completing it while working full-time. How did you manage that logistically, and how did you find the workload? Over the course of the two years, it was time-consuming, but definitely manageable. I had great support from my association and my fellow coaches, so I was able to complete the on-campus weeks in Cologne and the online lectures at home without any problems. For the rest of the coursework, I usually sat down to study in the evenings. With motivation and good organization, it worked out well for me. Were there any topics or modules that were particularly valuable to you or that had a lasting impact on you? It’s hard to single out individual modules. For me, the variety of topics was especially valuable. In the area of leadership, I was able to explore many exciting aspects and perspectives while also contributing my own views. In the area of management, a lot of it was new to me, so I learned a great deal there. How did you experience the exchange of ideas and the diversity of perspectives within the study group? We were a diverse group consisting of former athletes, a national team coach, sports managers, and others. This made our discussions incredibly engaging and further enriched the program. What specific insights or skills from the program do you use today in your day-to-day professional life? For the past few months, I’ve been responsible for nearly 70 coaches across ten different sports. Coach evaluations are currently my main focus. In these meetings, I use communication strategies and models that I learned during my studies, and I constantly strive to fulfill my leadership role authentically. The management skills I acquired are also helpful when it comes to budgeting or planning and organizing events. Looking back on the entire program — what would you say to someone considering applying for the FMS Master’s program? I can truly recommend this program to anyone, since it offers interesting modules and, above all, because it’s compatible with a full-time job. Throughout the program, you also receive support from faculty and the program administration at any time. It was a great experience, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to achieve my goal of earning a master’s degree this way. Thank you very much for the interview, and best of luck in your future career. By the way: On Monday, 27th April, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., there will be an online information session about the program. Please register by email at fms@­dshs-koeln.de Further information on continuing education can be found on the information pages for the continuing education master’s program “Leadership and Management in Elite Sports” (FMS) .