Team German Men's Eight

A Partnership of Excellence and Innovation

Since 2015, Wilo has proudly stood as the main sponsor of Team German Men's Eight, accompanying them on their journey to world-class victories. This partnership goes far beyond financial support - it reflects shared values such as excellence, consistency, and a deep connection to water. Rooted in tradition, mutual respect, and a passion for high-performance sport, our collaboration sets new standards in athlete support.

Wilo’s commitment extends well beyond the competition waters. We offer athletes a future-oriented platform with access to apprenticeships, internships, and working student positions. In collaboration with the Wilo-Foundation, we also provide doctoral scholarships to foster academic growth and career development.

Wilo not only supports the flagship Deutschland-Achter but also backs the coxless four and coxless pair teams - helping to steer the future of rowing in Germany.

Awarded by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB)

Wilo was recognized as a “Top Supporter of Elite Athletes in the Workplace” by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) in 2023. This award acknowledges our long-standing dedication to helping athletes build dual careers during and beyond their sporting lives.

Dr. Patrick Niehr, Global CFO of the Wilo Group, highlights the importance of providing athletes with professional opportunities even during their active careers. Since 2010, Wilo has been the main sponsor of Team German Men's Eight and, since 2013, has also supported the U23 team in Dortmund.

Some athletes are already leveraging Wilo’s career offers to shape a parallel path in business and sport. DOSB representative Sven Baumgarten commends Wilo for promoting dual career models in elite sports.

For Dr. Niehr, passion, performance, and teamwork are keys to success , both in business and in competitive sport.

Every day, these elite rowers train tirelessly - in the gym, on the rowing ergometers, and on the water - preparing for the biggest competitions. Most of this hard work happens away from the public eye. But once a year, all eyes turn to the team during the Media Day at the Dortmund Rowing Performance Centre.

This springtime event shines a spotlight on the team and their achievements. Professional moderators conduct interviews with team officials, sponsors, and partners, followed by athlete introductions and one-on-one interviews.

To top off the day, media representatives get exclusive access to athletes, coaches, and staff - capturing dynamic photo and video footage on the Dortmund-Ems Canal for the annual team portraits.

Thanks to Wilo’s continued support, this special event is always a resounding success.

To build a future-proof organization - be it a company or a sports team - supporting young talent is key. At Wilo, our apprentices are the foundation of our future. In sport, the U23 German Men's Eight fulfills this role.

Through hands-on exchange programs, Wilo brings together apprentices and young rowing talents. Nachwuchsruderer (junior rowers) visit the Wilopark innovation campus, while Wilo apprentices experience rowing firsthand at the Dortmund training center.

These encounters create valuable synergies. Whether it's the technical sophistication of a pump or the engineering of a racing shell, participants gain insight into the intersection of technology, sport, and teamwork.

Apprentices who are also athletes serve as powerful ambassadors, bridging the gap between the worlds of elite sports and technical training - fostering innovation, team spirit, and future-focused talent development.

The Team German Men's Eight competes on a global stage - and Wilo leverages its international sales network to align rowing events with regional office visits around the world.

This gives customers, partners, and employees the unique opportunity to experience elite rowing firsthand. Alongside the Wilo-Foundation, Wilo maintains a strong presence at international events, organizing dedicated gatherings for athletes and their families, including shared dinners, BBQs, and meet-and-greet sessions.

These interactions strengthen the relationship between Wilo and the Team German Men's Eight while showcasing how a German national team inspires across borders. Together, we promote team spirit and international cooperation - one race at a time.