This was Europe's biggest event, with over 1,572 participants from 58 countries (Germany alone fielded 251 players). Germany performed exceptionally well, finishing 4th in the medal rankings. A total of 34 medals were won: 5 gold, 9 silver, and 20 bronze.
Unfortunately, I was unable to defend my titles in Women's Singles and Women's Doubles, but I am very satisfied with my performance, especially given that I couldn't carry out optimal preparation for this event.
Women's Singles – Bronze
In Women's Singles, I was defeated in the semifinal by my opponent from England, Linda Wood, after a grueling third set ending 20:22. This earned me bronze, which I intend to turn into gold at the next European Championships 😉. Peter Emptage, himself a successful player and Director of Badminton Europe, presented me with my medal.
Women's Doubles – Semifinal
In Women's Doubles, Maren Schröder and I were narrowly eliminated in the semifinal by the English pair Kerry Mullen and Laune Eyles, with scores of 25:27 and 17:21.
Mixed Doubles – A Place in the Final!
In Mixed Doubles, we first defeated the English pair Linda Wood/David Gribble in the semifinal – they had previously beaten the 2025 World Champions Dan Travers/Christine Black from Scotland. This set up a final against the pairing of Birger Steenberg (DEN) and Maria Brzeznicka (POL), against whom we had narrowly lost in the semifinal at last year's World Championships. The final was closely contested, but despite a hard fight it wasn't enough: 23:21, 16:21 and 16:21 went to Birger and Maria.
Conclusion
Overall, the atmosphere was fantastic – not only within the German team, but also with all our international friends. It is always a wonderful coming together, with fierce battles on the court and every point fiercely contested. It must also be said that by the end, everyone was feeling the strain and was glad to finally enjoy a few relaxed days.