Memmingen Celebrates Athletic Excellence: Ünlübay, Haslach Headline 2025 Athletes of the Year
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A dynamic year for sports in Memmingen culminated in the announcement of its 2025 Athletes of the Year, recognizing outstanding achievements across a range of disciplines. Taekwondo fighter Zekiye Ünlübay and western rider Manuel Haslach were jointly awarded the prestigious title, while the SV Amendingen fistball team earned Team of the Year honors.
Individual Triumphs: Ünlübay and Haslach
Zekiye Ünlübay, representing Ünlübay Teakwondo, has emerged as a dominant force in her sport. A senior official stated that Ünlübay’s consistent performance, including securing the Bavarian championship in her age and weight class, underscored her dedication and skill. Her impressive 2025 record includes first-place finishes at the Bodensee Cup, the Bavaria Open, and the Bayern Cup.
Alongside Ünlübay, Manuel Haslach of Chrome Ranch was recognized for his success in western riding. Riding his horse, Charly – a German Paint – Haslach achieved nationwide acclaim, securing three gold medals in diverse disciplines at the German Championships and further demonstrating his prowess at the European Championships.
Rising Stars: Youth Athletes Shine
The future of Memmingen’s sports scene looks bright, as evidenced by the recognition of its young talent. Sixteen-year-old Oliver Belmann (Ünlübay Teakwondo) was named Youth Athlete of the Year, having claimed the Bavarian championship in his age and weight class, along with gold at the Bodensee Cup and silver at the Bavaria Open.
Ten-year-old swimmer Finja Koberstein also earned the title of Youth Athlete of the Year. She distinguished herself as a two-time Swabian champion in the 100-meter freestyle and 200-meter breaststroke, achieving podium finishes at the Bavarian championships. Notably, Koberstein set a new Swabian age group record in both the 50 and 100-meter breaststroke in 2025.
Senior Athletes Honored for Dedication
The awards also celebrated the accomplishments of seasoned athletes. Steffen Munz (DJK-SV Ost athletics) was recognized for winning the Bavarian championship in the discus throw and securing the runner-up title in the shot put. Similarly, Kirsten Pohl (TV Memmingen Swimming) was honored for her first-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle at the Bavarian Masters Championships.
Team Success and Long-Standing Commitment
The SV Amendingen fistball team earned the title of Team of the Year following their promotion to the Bayernliga. The U17 team of FC Memmingen also received accolades, having secured both German and Bavarian championships in futsal.
Beyond athletic achievements, the awards also acknowledged unwavering dedication. Ernst Jena received an honorary cup for his decades-long commitment to the Memmingen Postal Sports Club, serving as a board member since 1986.
The sports awards ceremony is scheduled for next March, promising a celebration of Memmingen’s vibrant athletic community.
