Will Magdeburg become THE center for the German swimming elite? This question is gaining more attention as the German Swimming Association (DSV) plans to bundle courses and training camps for all squad athletes at the local federal base.
The plan includes the construction of a separate swimming pool just a few meters away from the stadium of the local second division football team. The estimated completion of the project is set for 2028 with an investment volume of 50 million euros. Approval has already been granted by the city and state parliament, and the federal government shows interest in covering 90% of the financing. Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (52/CDU) is also pushing for this project.
The DSV and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) fully support the Magdeburg project. Bernd Berkhahn (52), the DSV national coach, formed the most successful training group in the country in Magdeburg – the team around Olympic champion Florian Wellbrock (25) has won a total of 25 medals at the Olympics, world, and European Championships. Berkhahn believes that this project will significantly fill major deficits experienced by the sport, such as coach training, reasonable and modern training facilities that are integrated into a functioning sports infrastructure.
Additionally, Berkhahn highlights the importance of connecting with the elite sports school, Olympic, and federal bases, which are currently available in Magdeburg. He urges everyone to commit to this project as a whole because it is a massive opportunity to develop national teams and staff.
With the proposed swimming pool in Magdeburg, it may indeed become the center for German swimming elites. The support from both the government and the sports associations and the highly experienced DSV national coach who has delivered remarkable results, the project is set to elevate German swimming to new heights.
