Three Days in Frankfurt, Three Days in the Pool

From April 17 to 19, 2026, our FS Swimming Team headed to Frankfurt – or rather, put on their swim caps – for three intensive days of training together. With the German University Championships at the end of May in sight, the team included Robin and Julia, the heads of the initiative, as well as Carolina, Jan, Josef, Kaya, Lukas, Oli, Simon, Vivien and eleven swimmers who took a decisive step forward this weekend, not only as athletes but also as a team.

Day 1 - Friday

The camp kicked off on Friday evening with a training session at Main Bad Bornheim. From 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., the focus was on kick training – a classic choice for the first session, which activates the legs and helps everyone mentally prepare for the demanding days ahead. Afterwards, the team enjoyed dinner together at Kiwis, where everyone settled into the weekend's busy schedule in a relaxed atmosphere. Those who still had energy left rounded off the evening at Pearly Gates Bar. After all, team building doesn't stop when training ends.

Day 2 - Saturday

Saturday was the most demanding day of the camp. The day began at 8:30 a.m. in the gym of the Landessportbund Hessen (LSB Hessen), where the team completed a series of essential strength and stability drills – exercises that often make the difference in competition. Immediately afterwards, everyone moved to the sports hall for two hours of fun games, bringing plenty of sweat but even more laughter.

At 12:30 p.m., the focus shifted to competition preparation during the team briefing. The group discussed the upcoming championships, the courses, relay lineups and the strategy for the weeks ahead. Following some free time in the afternoon, the second pool session started at 4:00 p.m. at Main Bad Bornheim, this time concentrating on arm technique. The day ended on a high note: first, an aperitif at Zino's Spritz, followed by dinner at Bar Shuka. It was another evening that strengthened the team's already growing sense of unity.

Day 3 - Sunday

The final day began with a video analysis session, followed by swimming practice from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – the point where technique meets self-awareness. Watching your own stroke from the outside for the first time often makes it immediately clear what needs improvement in the coming weeks. After lunch together and another round of essential drills in the gym, the sporting highlight of the weekend followed: the team's trial competition from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This session focused not only on individual races but especially on the relay events, as the German University Championships are ultimately a team competition. The swimmers practised all five relay events that await them at the end of May: the 6×50 m mixed relay, featuring three women and three men competing in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, as well as the 8×50 m medley relay, in which one woman and one man swim each stroke. In these relay formats, success depends on much more than individual speed. Smooth relay exchanges, the optimal swimmer order and knowing exactly when each athlete can best contribute their strengths all play a crucial role. That made it especially valuable to rehearse every detail under realistic race conditions. The atmosphere was focused yet full of excitement, with personal bests, close finishes and more than a few perfectly timed relay exchanges.

The weekend concluded on a relaxed note with pizza for dinner, two hours of bowling and a visit to the sauna – a perfect contrast to three physically demanding days and probably the most enjoyable way imaginable to wrap up the training camp.

Looking Back

The training camp was far more than just physical preparation. It gave the team the opportunity to grow closer, refine technical skills, simulate race conditions and motivate one another. The combination of pool sessions, strength training, tactical discussions and shared evenings together provided exactly what a university team needs only a few weeks before its biggest competition: focus without tension and determination without unnecessary pressure.

Now, all eyes are on the German University Championships at the end of May. Robin, Julia, Carolina, Jan, Josef, Kaya, Lukas, Oli, Simon, Vivien and Simon laid the foundation in Frankfurt. One thing is certain: the lanes at LSB Hessen and Main Bad Bornheim certainly didn't leave them cold – and the next pool is already waiting.