Nele Schmalenbach

Sport

• Canoe polo

Date of birth

• 24.07.2003

Degree course

• Civil engineering

Current club

• Coburg-Schney paddling and sailing club

Squad status

• A-squad/competition squad

What fascinates me about my sport ...

• ... the perfect mix of action, technique and teamwork. I love the lively style of play, the fight for every ball and, above all, the strong team spirit. Canoe polo is a bit like handball, but on the water - intense, fast and with a great team spirit.

When I'm not playing my sport, then...

• When I'm not in the boat, I'm studying civil engineering in my 6th semester and am already in the middle of preparing my bachelor's thesis. In addition to all the training - whether on the water, in the gym or with my kids - I fortunately still have time for family, friends and a game of beach volleyball.

My successes to date

• German champion 2022, 2023
• 3. 1st place German Championship 2024
• 2. 1st place European Club Championships 2023
• European Champion 2019, 2023
• World Champion 2022
• 2. Place The World Games 2022

My goals for the future

• My goal is to take first place at the 2025 World Games with Team Germany. In the coming years, I want to continue to consistently finish on the podium at European and World Championships - ideally at the top. At the same time, I'm also heavily involved in promoting young talent at my home club. Together, we are working on developing young talent and fighting our way back to the top of the German rankings with the team.
• To gradually work my way up to the top in the U23 and not neglect my studies.