Bremen (VBR). Isabell Sawade, Team Manager of the German National Rhythmic Gymnastics team, was awarded the “Trainer of the Year” prize at the “Sportsperson of the Year” gala in Baden-Baden on Sunday, December 17th. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding dedication to her athletes and her sport. Unfortunately, Gordon Herbert, the coach of the German Men’s Basketball National Team, was unable to attend the event due to a family bereavement. However, his accolade will be rescheduled for a later date.
Isabell Sawade not only serves as the team manager for the Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team but also holds a license as a judge from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Under her guidance, the German team achieved tremendous success this year, winning five individual gold medals at the World Championships by Darja Varfolomeev, as well as a silver medal in the team event. Ulla Koch, Vice President of the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB), praised Sawade for her ability to bring together a team of trainers and athletes with limited financial resources, solidifying their position as world-class competitors through motivation, perseverance, and foresight.
“I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award, which acknowledges the years of hard work put in by our Rhythmic Gymnastics team. On behalf of the entire team, I am grateful to accept this honor,” said Isabell Sawade.
Miriam Welte, Vice President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and Chair of the “Trainer of the Year” jury, emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of coaches. She stated that coaches like Sawade and Gordon Herbert play a vital role in fostering athletes’ personal and athletic development, and their impact cannot be understated.
DOSB President Thomas Weikert expressed regret that Gordon Herbert couldn’t personally be honored at the event, but assured that his commendation would be presented at a later date. Herbert, a Canadian, took over as the head coach of the German Men’s Basketball National Team in 2021 and achieved remarkable success, winning the bronze medal at the 2022 European Championship and the World Championship title this year. He has previously had success as a coach, winning the German Championship with Opel Skyliners Frankfurt in 2004, as well as securing titles in France and Finland.
The panel of judges, led by Miriam Welte, consists of a diverse group of individuals with extensive experience and expertise in various sports. They are responsible for selecting the “Trainer of the Year” recipients based on their contributions to their respective disciplines.
The “Trainer of the Year” award has been presented annually since 2006 and recognizes outstanding coaches in various sports. Previous recipients include renowned figures from disciplines such as tennis, skiing, football, and handball, among others.
In conclusion, Isabell Sawade and Gordon Herbert have been awarded the prestigious “Trainer of the Year” prize for their exceptional coaching achievements. Their dedication, expertise, and ability to inspire athletes have contributed to their teams’ remarkable success. As the recipients of this esteemed award, they serve as role models not only within their sports but also for aspiring coaches across the country. Their recognition highlights the invaluable impact that coaches have on athletes’ development and the importance of their contributions to the sporting world.
Quelle: Der Deutsche Olympische Sportbund
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