Sportsmanship Over Silver: Tabea Frohn and Julian Köster Honored with 2025 German Fair Play Awards

In a sporting world often defined by split-second margins and the relentless pursuit of victory, the Fair Play Preise des Deutschen Sports 2025 serves as a necessary reminder that the most enduring legacies are built on humanity, not hardware. This year, the honors go to two individuals who looked beyond the scoreboard: amateur triathlete Tabea Frohn and German national handball star Julian Köster.

The awards, jointly established by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the Association of German Sports Journalists (VDS), celebrate those who embody respect, friendship, and solidarity. Whether in the heat of a race or through long-term community commitment, Frohn and Köster have set a benchmark for an inclusive sports culture.

Tabea Frohn: A Life-Saving Choice

For Tabea Frohn, the decision to stop during a triathlon wasn’t about strategy; it was about survival. While competing in a grassroots event, Frohn encountered a friend who had collapsed on the course. In a moment that defined the essence of the “Sport” category award, Frohn abandoned her own pursuit of success to provide critical assistance to her peer.

The gravity of the situation became clear only after the event. It was later revealed that the fellow athlete had suffered a heart attack during the competition. Because of Frohn’s immediate intervention, the athlete received the assist she needed, though the act meant Frohn crossed the finish line as one of the last competitors.

Prof. Dr. Manfred Lämmer, Chairman of the Jury and board member of the German Olympic Academy (DOA), described the gesture as “equally fair and human.” Lämmer noted that the revelation of the heart attack makes Frohn’s actions “all the more valuable,” drawing a parallel to last year’s main prize winner, Noah Steinert, who similarly assisted an injured friend during a primary school competition.

Julian Köster: Championing Inclusion

While Frohn’s award recognizes a singular, pivotal moment of bravery, Julian Köster is being honored for a sustained commitment to inclusivity. The “Team D” handball player has been awarded the “Sonderpreis” (Special Prize) for his dedicated work as an ambassador for Special Olympics Deutschland, the sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.

Köster’s journey into advocacy began in May 2024. He initially focused his efforts at the state level within North Rhine-Westphalia before expanding his role to the national level in 2025. His work aims to bridge the gap between elite professional athletics and inclusive sports, ensuring that athletes of all abilities have a platform to compete and thrive.

Miriam Welte, DOSB Vice President and jury member, praised Köster for his “exemplary” engagement. For a high-profile athlete in the German national team, Köster’s willingness to use his visibility to promote the Special Olympics highlights a commitment to sportsmanship that extends far beyond the handball court.

The Legacy of the Fair Play Prize

The Fair Play Prize is not merely a trophy; it is a statement on the values that the DOSB and VDS believe should govern athletics. By honoring both a grassroots athlete like Frohn and a professional like Köster, the jury emphasizes that fair play is a universal requirement, regardless of an athlete’s rank or fame.

For those unfamiliar with the distinction, “Breitensport” (grassroots or amateur sport) represents the vast majority of participants in the German sporting system. Recognizing Frohn ensures that the values of the Olympic movement are seen as accessible and vital at every level of competition, not just among the elite.

Award Ceremony Details

The official presentation of the 2025 awards will take place during a formal event in Wiesbaden. The winners will be honored at the 12th Biebricher Schlossgespräch, a gathering dedicated to dialogue and sporting values.

• Date: June 11, 2026
• Location: Wiesbaden, Germany
• Event: 12th Biebricher Schlossgespräch

Key Takeaways: 2025 Fair Play Awards

The next major milestone for the recipients will be the ceremony in Wiesbaden on June 11, 2026, where the sporting community will formally recognize these contributions to the spirit of the game.

Do you believe professional athletes should be more actively involved in inclusive sports organizations like the Special Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below.