The German team achieved what was in many respects a historic success at the European Synchronized Swimming Championships.
The selection of the German Swimming Federation (DSV) won silver in the free combination in Oswiecim, Poland, on Friday (June 23, 2023), it was the first German European Championship medal in 40 years.
Seidel is the first man to win a team medal
With 163.3205 points, the team was behind Israel (248.6083) and ahead of Turkey (135.7999). In addition to Marlene Bojer, Maria Denisov, Solene Guisard (all SG Stadtwerke München), Klara Bleyer, Susana Rovner (both free swimmers Bochum), Amelie Blumenthal Haz, Daria Tonn (both SB Bayern 07), Michelle Zimmer (SC Wedding 1929) and Daria Martens (SSC Schwenningen) also included Frithjof Seidel in the selection. This makes him the first man in European history to win a team medal.
Only since this season have men been admitted to international team competitions, Germany was the only nation to make use of this in the combination. “I’ve said before how important it is to me that more men find their way into our sport”said the swimmer from SC Wedding: “I hope that this development will continue and that even more men will dare and be integrated in the future.”
Sixth medal for Germany
On the third day of the European Games, the DSV team won the sixth medal for Germany. On Thursday there had already been four silver medals and one bronze medal in the sports of canoeing, shooting, BMX and beach handball.