Medal factory DHfK: 75 years of pioneering sporting work in Leipzig!

Medal factory DHfK: 75 years of pioneering sporting work in Leipzig!

On October 22, 2025, the German University of Physical Culture (DHfK) in Leipzig will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1950, the DHfK developed into one of the most successful sports universities in the world and played a central role for competitive sports in the former GDR. Loud MDR The DHfK was instrumental in ensuring that the GDR was able to take an outstanding position in international competitive sports behind the USA and the USSR.

The university was known for its focus on technology and methodology, particularly in the areas of biomechanics, training theory and medical research. Medal-winning sports such as gymnastics, athletics, cycling, swimming and canoe racing were particularly promoted. In order to be among the best athletes, entrance exams for elite training were required, in which successful athletes such as Siegwart Karbe, who became European champion in racing canoe in 1965, also took part.

Influential personalities and institutions

The DHfK had produced important personalities. Rosemarie Karbe, who worked in the DHfK directorate, reported on the strict selection processes that prospective athletes had to go through. In addition, the former swimmer Frank Embacher completed his training at the DHfK and later became a successful swimming coach. Under his guidance, Paul Biedermann became world champion in 2009.

A crucial aspect of the DHfK was the founding of the “Research Institute for Physical Culture and Sport” (FKS) in 1969, which operated in secret. Over 500 scientists worked there on new success strategies and sports equipment. Winfried Nowack, a former wrestler, looked after the national team and was also active in the FKS. Interestingly, doping to improve performance was prescribed by the state in 1974, which later led to the university being criticized.

A change in history

The period after the fall of communism brought with it profound changes. The DHfK came under criticism and was ultimately dissolved in 1991. Its successor institution is the Sports Science Faculty of the University of Leipzig, which continues the tradition of sports science teaching and research. Hundreds of employees lost their jobs, while the closure of the DHfK was seen by many as a wrong decision. This institution was not only a training center for sports teachers and trainers, but also known as the “nucleus of the GDR sports miracle”.

In total, around 16,000 students, including 3,700 foreign students, earned their diploma at the DHfK. The influence of the DHfK on top-class sport in Germany and beyond remains to this day, as Kay Vesely, a former canoe racer, emphasizes. Their achievements, early training approaches and research efforts have left a lasting impression.