défaiteThe 2025 Felix Awards, held on November 28th in Düsseldorf, celebrated the incredible achievements of North Rhine-Westphalia’s elite athletes. The ceremony, attended by around 450 guests, saw outstanding athletes in para-sports, swimming, bobsleigh, football, judo, and more, recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the year.

World-Class Achievements

• Para-Swimming World Champion: Taliso Engel won gold in the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the World Championships, improving his own world record in both events.
• Bobsleigh World Champions: Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi led a German triple success at the World Championships, adding to their Olympic gold from 2022.
• Marathon World Cup Runner-up: Amanal Petros achieved the best German marathon placement in history with his second-place finish at the World Championships in Tokyo.

NRW’s Sports Achievements in 2025

NRW’s athletes showcased their global dominance in 2025, securing top spots at World and European Championships, the World Games, and the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. The region’s sporting prowess was lauded by NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst, who emphasized their Olympic and Paralympic Games readiness. Stefan Klett, President of the State Sports Association of North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighted the need to maintain the excellent structures at the three NRW Olympic bases in Cologne, Essen, and Dortmund.

“The year 2025 has once again shown what sporting class and passion is at home in North Rhine-Westphalia.”
– Hendrik Wüst, NRW Prime Minister

Rising Stars and Established Champions

• Female Athlete of the Year: Nina Holt, a 22-year-old lifesaver from DLRG Harsewinkel, won five gold medals and set three world records at the 2025 World Games.
• Football Felix: Tim Kleindienst, the 1. FC Heidenheim striker, led his team to the Bundesliga and made his national team debut in 2024/25.
• Newcomer of the Year: Canoe young talent Marleen Sits from KG Essen won gold and silver at the Junior and U23 World Championships.
• Coach of the Year: Women’s judo national coach Claudiu Pusa was awarded 6th Dan for his outstanding work, guiding German women to numerous international successes.

Recognition for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games Medalists

The ceremony also honored around 28 medal winners from the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, who received 1,000 euros each from Dr. Ingo Wolf, chairman of the Sportstiftung NRW.