When professional cyclists battle for seconds in time trials, track cyclists sprint round the bend at high speed, or para-athletes compete for medals, the competition is merely the visible part of a long journey. Behind it all lie years of training, a professional environment and, often, financial and mental support.
It is precisely this often-overlooked side of elite sport that Deutsche Sporthilfe is highlighting with its ‘Wir tragen dich’ campaign. To mark the launch on 13 August 2026, the foundation is sharing the stories of artistic gymnast Helen Kevric, national basketball player Alexandra Wilke and para-athlete Markus Rehm. All three are currently supported or have previously been supported by Deutsche Sporthilfe.
The campaign shows that sporting success is not down solely to talent, discipline and the amount of training. Injuries, mental strain, financial uncertainties and the challenge of balancing top-level sport with education are also part of everyday life for many athletes.
Comeback, juggling multiple commitments and the pressure to perform perfectly
Helen Kevric epitomises the difficult road to recovery following an injury. One year after her serious knee injury, the 18-year-old is making her return to the international stage at the European Championships in Zagreb. Behind her lie rehabilitation, patience and a complete fresh start. Her comeback has led to two German championship titles and a return to the European Championships squad. Alongside her family and her sports psychologist, Sporthilfe also remained by her side throughout her recovery.
Alexandra Wilke embodies the dual demands of professional sport and university studies. The national basketball player and Paris Olympian has been supported by Sporthilfe since her youth. Her story shows that support is important not only for sporting progress, but also during periods of high pressure.
Markus Rehm highlights just how complex achieving peak performance can be. The multiple Paralympic champion and world record holder in the long jump describes his sport as a combination of technique, physical ability and mental preparation. Before every jump, he visualises angles, positions and movement sequences. Rehm says he needs his team and the Sports Aid Foundation to achieve this level of precision.
What the campaign has to do with cycling
In cycling, the importance of a supportive environment is particularly evident. Training camps, competition trips, equipment, medical support and the funding of day-to-day living expenses all need to be organised over a period of years. Particularly at junior and transitional levels, sporting prospects are often not yet linked to a secure income.
The career of track cyclist Lea Sophie Friedrich is a case in point. The world champion and Olympic medallist has been supported by Deutsche Sporthilfe since 2017. This support helped her rise to the very top of the international rankings, whilst she was simultaneously completing her training with the Federal Police.
Emma Hinze and Pauline Grabosch are also among the well-known German track cyclists supported by Sporthilfe. Together with Friedrich, they formed a successful team sprint trio. A team sprint lasts just a few seconds. However, it takes years of daily training, precise coordination and professional support for a team to reach this level.
In para-cycling, too, the support network matters
The campaign message can be applied just as well to para-cycling. At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, Maike Hausberger, Michael Teuber, Matthias Schindler and Annika Zeyen-Giles, amongst others, won medals for Germany.
Hausberger was nominated for the ‘Sportswoman of the Month’ award in 2025 for her performances at the Para-Cycling World Championships, where she won four medals. Also nominated was track cyclist Moritz Augenstein, who won gold in the scratch race at the 2025 World Championships.
Para-athletes face additional challenges. These include specially adapted bikes, personalised support, travel and medical requirements. This does not make their sporting performance any less professional; rather, it often involves even more complex organisational efforts.
Sporthilfe supports athletes beyond the competition
The campaign does not limit its support to financial assistance in the run-up to a major competition. Sporthilfe sees itself as a long-term partner for young and elite athletes. The support is also intended to help them with their transition into their future careers.
This approach is particularly relevant for cyclists. Very few are able to make a living solely from prize money, sponsorship deals or entry fees in the long term. Many have to balance their training commitments with an apprenticeship, a degree course or a job.
In cycling, the support network includes coaches, training partners, clubs, federations, families, physiotherapists, doctors, mechanics and sponsors. In addition, there are organisations such as Deutsche Sporthilfe, which can support athletes even during difficult times.
Whether it’s making a comeback after an injury, juggling studies and training, or searching for the perfect move: top-level performance is rarely achieved alone.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief