The familiar waters of Brandenburg have always meant something special to Pauline Jagsch.
Long before she became an Olympic silver medallist, the German Canoe Sprint athlete ventured to the course as a child.
Now, at 23-years-old, she competes at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Cup as one of Germany’s leading sprint paddlers.
“It means a lot to be [competing in Brandenburg] as I was here a lot in my childhood, and it’s always a nice feeling to be here,” she said.
For Jagsch, the venue carries memories that stretch back more than a decade.
“My first memories are from 2013 – it was the first big competition here.”
Competing close to home has brought added emotion to the action-packed weekend, particularly with so many familiar faces supporting her from the shoreline.
“It was emotional, today was the first day and we had a lot of visitors,” said Jagsch.
“I have my grandmother, grandpa, family, and friends all here, as it’s not far from where I live.”
The atmosphere has matched the momentum Jagsch carried into the new season.
After winning women’s kayak four 500m silver at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, she admits the period following the Games was not without its challenges.
“We had some issues, with some not so nice races after the Olympics, but this year has been really different – I can feel the difference,” she said.
“We trained a lot in Germany so we knew we could do it.”
Jagsch is taking on a demanding programme in Brandenburg, balancing multiple boat classes across the competition.
“I am competing in a lot of races this weekend – the K1, K2, and K4,” she said.
Despite the intensity of elite competitions, her love for the sport remains rooted in the simple moments that first drew her to Canoe Sprint.
“My motivation [is] to be on the water when the sun is shining and getting out into nature – especially in the nice conditions for flatwater.”
“I enjoy it [competing] every day,” she said.
“It’s really motivating – it’s important to have fun while racing, and to race fast.”
For Jagsch, success is not only about medals or results. It is about the feeling that comes with performing freely and confidently on the water.
“That feeling really pushes you to be here.”
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