The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) has honored Isabell Sawade and Gordon Herbert as trainers of the year. Sawade received the award for her commitment as team leader of the national rhythmic gymnastics team; Herbert had led the national basketball team to the World Cup title in late summer.
Sawade was honored at the “Sportsman of the Year” gala on Sunday in Baden-Baden, Herbert had to cancel at short notice due to a bereavement in the family.
“It’s a great shame that we couldn’t honor Gordon Herbert personally, but we will do so soon. Anyone who achieves such a sensational success as the Basketball World Cup with their team undoubtedly deserves the title ‘Coach of the Year’,” said DOSB President Thomas Weikert.
Under Sawade, the German team won five individual gold medals at the World Championships this year through Darja Varfolomeev, as well as silver with the team. “I am very happy about this great award, which is recognition of our team’s years of work in rhythmic gymnastics. I am happy to accept it on behalf of the entire team,” said Sawade.