The team boasts many stars of continental athletics, prominently featuring two Olympic champions: long jumper Malaika Mihambo (gold in Tokyo 2020 and silver in Paris 2024) and shot putter Yemisi Ogunleye (gold in Paris 2024).
The German Athletics Federation (DLV) has announced its strong 45-athlete squad for the First Division of the European Team Championships, set to take place in Madrid from June 27th to 29th. Led by Mihambo and Ogunleye, Germany is determined to win its sixth European Team Championships title in Madrid, eight years after their last victory. In the ten editions held since the new format’s inception—where men’s and women’s points contribute to a single ranking—the German team secured victories in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2017. They finished second in 2015 and 2019, and third in 2010 and at the last edition, Silesia 2023. Their only finish outside the top three was in 2021 (fourth).
Beyond the two Olympic champions, Germany’s powerful contingent includes Julian Weber, the current European silver medalist in javelin throw, who is also the 2025 world leader with a throw of 91.06m and contributed 16 points to his team in Silesia. Madrid will also see two of Germany’s Olympic bronze medalists from the 4x100m relay: Lisa Mayer and Sophia Junk, who will compete in the 100m and 200m, respectively, in addition to the relay. Hammer thrower Merlin Hummel, who has thrown 81.23m this year (third in the world rankings), is another key figure for the German team.
Germany will also bring to Madrid some athletes who have significantly improved their performances in recent months, establishing themselves among the European elite. These include Under-23 800-meter runner Alexander Stepanov (who recently ran 1:44.17), European 3000m steeplechaser Karl Bebendorf (fresh off a win at Stockholm’s Diamond League with a personal best of 8:11.81), and triple jumper Caroline Joyeux (Europe’s season leader with 14.45m). Vallehermoso will also feature the 2025 steeplechase sensation, Frederik Ruppert (who achieved the third-best mark in history with 8:10.49 in Rabat), though he will make his 5000m debut at this event, holding the German record in the 5km road race with 13:21. In addition to Stepanov, Germany will field other promising young talents who will compete for gold in the European U23 and U20 Championships throughout 2025. Among the older U23 prospects are triple jumper Steven Freund and steeplechaser Adia Budde, while Germany’s 400m lead is ‘junior’ Johanna Martin.
Germany National Team Squad
100m: Lucas Ansah-Prepah, Lisa Mayer
200m: Joshua Hartmann, Sophia Junk
400m: Jean Paul Bredau, Johanna Martin
800m: Alexander Stepanov, Smilla Kolbe
1500m: Marc Tortell, Majtie Kolberg
5000m: Frederik Ruppert, Elena Burkard
110m/100m Hurdles: Gregory Minoué, Ricarda Lobe
400m Hurdles: Joshua Abuaku, Elena Kelety
3000m Steeplechase: Karl Bebendorf, Adia Budde
High Jump: Tobias Potye, Imke Onnen
Pole Vault: Torben Blech, Friedelinde Petershofen
Long Jump: Simon Batz, Malaika Mihambo
Triple Jump: Steven Freund, Caroline Joyeux
Shot Put: Silas Ristl, Yemisi Ogunleye
Discus Throw: Mika Sosna, Shanice Craft
Hammer Throw: Merlin Hummel, Aileen Kuhn
Javelin Throw: Julian Weber, Julia Ulbricht
4x100m Men: Lucas Ansah-Prepah, Aleksandar Askovic, Kevin Kranz, Marvin Schulte, Yannick Wolf
4x100m Women: Jolina Ernst, Sophia Junk, Lisa-Marie Kwayie, Lisa Mayer, Sina Mayer
4x400m Mixed: Jean Paul Bredau, Tyrel Prenz, Manuel Sanders, Irina Gorr, Jana Lakner, Johanna Martin
Don’t miss the biggest event in European Athletics in 2025, from June 27th to 29th at Vallehermoso Stadium in Madrid! Tickets are still available here.
