Wladimir Klitschko is “Role Model of the Year”

At the end of August the “Sport Bild” Awards 2017 were presented in the Fish Auction Hall in Hamburg. ERGO presented the award in the “Role Model of the Year” category, which was given to world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. ERGO accident ambassador David Behre caused quite a buzz at the ERGO booth.

Main station in the Fish Auction Hall at the Hamburg Harbour: For the 15th time, the “Sport Bild” Awards are being presented. Also among the more than 700 guests from the field of sport, economy and media are ERGO Sales Director Olaf Bläser and Marc Jacobi, Head of ERGO Pro. As gold partner of “Sport Bild”, ERGO presents the award in the “Role Model of the Year” category this year. Standing 1,98 metres tall, this award-winner is physically one of the big players of the evening – but he's also still human. Wladimir Klitschko is a sportsman through and through and that has earned him the award.

Award for the fairest loser

“Wladimir Klitschko is a marathon man”, says Oliver Stock, Head of Company Communications at ERGO in his laudation to the Ukrainian who suffered a defeat in his last boxing match against Anthony Joshua. But the 41-year old proved himself to be a fair loser, which qualified him for the “Role Model of the Year” award.
David Behre, present at the “Sport Bild” Awards as ERGO accident ambassador and Paralympics athlete believes “the distinction was given to the right person”. “Klitschko added class to the sport of boxing and he is simply a very friendly human being and fair athlete.” Wladimir Klitschko made clear in his thank you speech that his relationship to his fans is eminently important. “But I would never have thought that I would receive this award after having lost”, the Ukrainian remarked with a smirk. One thing is clear to David Behre: “You could see that the award meant a lot to him precisely for that reason.”

David Behre at the ERGO booth

At the cult location at the Hamburg Harbour, Behre appears his usual relaxed self and even carries his winning medals from the Olympic Games in Rio in his backpack. He regretted however his injury-related absence at the world Paralympics games in London. “It was of course a huge disappointment”, the 30-year old explains and adds: “But it was the right decision because I didn't want to risk an injury that could jeopardise my career.”

David Behre finds the festive setting in the Hamburg Fish Auction Hall impressive. According to Behre, “It is a venue that is steeped in history and an otherwise very entertaining award ceremony.” “You make incredibly quick connections with people”. In David Behre's case, at the ERGO stand, it's the ERGO sales partners who especially enjoy a chat with the sprinter. Like Frank Bauriedl from Stuttgart, who once again warmly congratulates Behre on his Olympic medals. “We’ve met many times”, Behre explains and gives a satisfied smile. “We just have a good connection.”

Special award for German sport aid

For Franz Bauriedl the “Sport Bild” Awards are a unique experience. “This is my first time here and I find the atmosphere simply amazing.” Aside from his handshake with David Behre, the ERGO sales partner looked forward to meeting the odd sport legend or other. “It's definitely exciting to see Rosi Mittermeier or Christian Neureuther”, Bauriedl admits. The two skiing legends are on the stage to receive the special award for their contribution within sport aid, awarded by the editors in chief of “Sport Bild”.

As an active athlete, David Behre appreciates the importance of German sport aid. “This is a greatly helpful to and appreciated by the athletes, especially when there's no funding from sponsors available,” the sprinter explains. Many athletes could stand to profit from sport aid at the beginning of their careers. Behre knows that “the athletes give back to sport aid by showing their appreciation.” That's why he also believes it's very important that German sport aid receives acknowledgement through the award.

Further award winners

That's also the case with other award winners like football trainer-legend Ottmar Hitzfeld (“Lifetime Achievement”), former national football player Philipp Lahm (“Star of the Year”) or sport presenter Reinhold Beckmann (“TV Award”). They, along with many other sport greats, celebrate at the after-show party.

The sporty ERGO action area in the Fish Auction Hall is truly fitting for the event. One main highlight is the opportunity to have a photo op with the DFB cup. A slackline also provides an inviting opportunity for you to test your balance. Whoever lasts the longest on the tightrope in the ERGO slackline challenge wins a smartwatch. “I attempted it and realise that I'd be better off practising at home alone first”, David Behre remarks laughingly. The winner of the evening is Tina, who held her balance on the sackline for 61 seconds. And so, a fun and sporty evening comes to an end, leaving only winners behind.

By Benjamin Esche