The Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium and its U16 team were able to experience an unforgettable sporting adventure at the national finals of Jugend trainiert für Olympia in Berlin from May 5 to 9, 2026. After successfully qualifying for the state finals, ten female athletes from the 2011 to 2013 age group traveled to the capital full of anticipation and motivation to compete against the best school teams in Germany.

Participation in the national finals was already a great success and a special award for the young team. Many of the players were in the younger age groups at the tournament, so it was clear from the outset that they would have to hold their own against teams that were physically far superior and in some cases more experienced. Nevertheless, the team from Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium showed great commitment, team spirit and a remarkable will to fight from the very first minute.

In the preliminary round, the team competed in season D and finished in 4th place. Despite great effort, all three games in the group stage were lost. The team narrowly lost to Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium Ostfildern by 13:15, as well as against Sportschule Halle by 14:16. The encounter with Pierre-de-Coubertin-Gymnasium Erfurt, which later even reached the final, was particularly challenging. Here, too, the Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium put in a strong performance and kept up very well, especially over one half, but were ultimately beaten 12:20.

These games in particular made it clear that the young team was absolutely competitive. However, the uneven balance of power was also evident: many of the opponents were much more physically developed and had more experience at this high level. Nevertheless, the players from Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium showed great courage, strength and tremendous morale.

Besselgymnasium Minden awaited them in the subsequent intermediate round. In an intense and hard-fought game, they were once again narrowly defeated 14:17. All the greater was the joy afterwards at the well-deserved 22:19 victory against Gymnasium Saarbrücken, which qualified the team for the match for 11th place.

There the players met Gymnasium Nieder-Olm. Once again, the team mobilized all their strength and put up a great fight. With a lot of passion, courage and commitment, the girls held out until the end. In the end, it was a narrow 19:22 defeat, which was initially disappointing, but in no way detracted from the team's strong overall performance.

However, a national final of Jugend trainiert für Olympia consists of much more than just the games on the pitch. In addition to the sporting competition, the pupils gained numerous impressions and unforgettable experiences. A special highlight was the visit to the Futurium, where they were able to gain exciting insights into the world of tomorrow. A stroll through Berlin and an extensive afternoon of shopping in the Mall of Berlin also ensured a great atmosphere and many wonderful moments away from sport.

The festive finale was the impressive closing event, which provided goosebumps with spectacular show acts, rousing music and a great atmosphere. Here it became clear once again what a special experience this national final was for everyone involved.

Even if they didn't end up in the top ten, their participation was a complete success. The young athletes gained valuable experience, grew even closer together as a team and proved that they can perform courageously and effectively even against strong competition. Especially in view of their young age and the sometimes unequal balance of power, what they achieved is to be highly valued.

The national final in Berlin will certainly be remembered by the ten players from Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium for a long time to come - as a sporting challenge, a shared adventure and motivation for future competitions.

Report: Kathrin Täschner