Athletics scholarship holders 2021/22

Eight athletics scholarships were awarded for the 2021/22 academic year, marking the fourth year in a row of the conferral of TU Dresden’s athletics scholarship.

Repeat scholarship recipient Tom Liebscher has since medaled with his canoe team at the Tokyo Olympics. Another familiar face is Laurenz Rieger (fencing), who also received a scholarship last year.

The remaining scholarships were awarded to Johanna Nehrkorn (artistic roller skating), Gustav Peters (floorball), Selina Stamer (karate), Sina Stöckmann (volleyball), Janice Richter (tchoukball) and Jonas Wagner (high jump).

The photo and video shoot took place in the boathouse of TU Dresden’s University Sports Center on the Elbe. We are grateful for having had this opportunity!

On this page, this year’s scholarship holders introduce themselves:

Name: Tom Liebscher
Degree program: Transport Engineering
Sport: Canoe sprint

I love canoe sprint because it’s so varied and I get to spend time in nature. Plus, we always know right at the finish line who’s won.

In academia just as in athletics, there are highs and lows. Even if something doesn’t work out as you had hoped, there is always another chance to improve.

In 2022, I would like to qualify for the German national team again and travel to Canada in the summer to compete in the world championship.

Name: Johanna Nehrkorn
Degree program: Transport Economics
Sport: Artistic roller skating

I like the elegance of my sport and the freedom that I feel in roller skates.

Training is a great way for me to balance out my studies. After a day of training, my mind is refreshed and I’m ready to hit the books again.

In 2022, I’d like to reach a higher level for my routines at championships.

Name: Gustav Peters
Degree program: Transport Economics
Sport: Floorball

For me, floorball is the perfect sport – it’s fast, requires certain techniques and you have to work well as a team to be successful.

Academia and athletics both require ambition, determination and good time management.

My greatest athletic success was participating in the German under-19 national team at the world championship in Canada. This year, I hope that my team takes home the championship title.

Name: Janice Richter
Degree program: Medicine
Sport: Tchoukball

Tchoukball is a really fast sport that is similar to handball. The main principle is fair play without contact. I also like that teams are not divided by gender or age.

Both studies and sports require organization and discipline. Good scheduling ensures that both work in tandem.

This year, my goal is to rank amongst the top 5 with my team at the European Championship in the UK.

Name: Laurenz Rieger
Degree program: International Relations
Sport: Fencing

What I love about fencing is the combination of athletic strength and tactical thinking. Plus, fencing can be a solo sport or a team sport.

My motivation both for my studies and my sport is the joy I get out of both, as well as the discipline and the knowledge that failing every now and then only helps me move forward.          
                                                                        This year, I hope to win a medal in the under-20 world championship in Dubai.

Name: Selina Stamer
Degree program: Medicine
Sport: Karate

Karate combines many aspects common in other sports, including speed, stamina, strength and technique. It has everything I like rolled up into one.

My mantra for my studies and athletics is to always keep fighting. It’s important to just find a way to persevere despite any challenges. And to have faith that I can do anything.

In 2022, I would like to become the German champion and take home the world cup. I would also like to earn a place in the top 30 world rankings.

Name: Sina Stöckmann
Degree program: Geography
Sport: Volleyball

I like that volleyball is a team sport, where it’s all for one and one for all. I also like the tactical variety that the game offers.

It requires ambition, discipline and perseverance – qualities that also help me in my studies. On account of the pandemic, many of my courses have been moved online, which actually makes it easier for me to balance athletics and academics.

This year, I would like to qualify for the under-23 national team and, if possible, head to China for the Universiade.

Name: Jonas Wagner
Degree program: Physics
Sport: High jump

What I love about the high jump is that moment of weightlessness when you take off from the ground. It’s like flying.

It can be difficult to balance competitive athletics and studies. What I’ve definitely learned, though, is tenacity and to sound out where my pain threshold lies. Even if I don’t feel like continuing, it is worth it in the end.

This year, I would like to compete in the world championship in the United States and the European champion ship in Munich, hopefully with good results.