Interview with Sport for Development Ambassador Britta Heidemann

As an internationally acclaimed épée fencer, you made history between 2007 and 2009 by becoming the first épée fencer to hold Olympic, World, and European titles at the same time.

For nearly a decade, you have been actively involved as an ambassador for Sport for Development, representing the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). During this time, you have visited numerous projects in Germany’s partner countries and participated in various initiatives.

What experiences have left the most significant impressions on you?

"One particularly moving experience was my visit to Uganda in 2018 when we inaugurated the Athletics for Development project alongside Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni. In front of 4,000 children and young people, I witnessed firsthand how sport is utilized as a tool to promote social cohesion and inclusion. It was deeply inspiring to see how traditional games help preserve cultural heritage while simultaneously fostering both personal and national development. Of course, as an athlete, I have experienced firsthand how sport contributes to the personal growth of children and young people."

How do you view the current state of fencing in Germany and internationally? And what role could Sport for Development play in increasing the popularity of the sport, both in Germany and in the partner countries of German development cooperation?

"Fencing is a fascinating sport that requires not only physical fitness but also strategic thinking – I like to compare it to ‘boxing on a chessboard.’ However, the sport is facing challenges, particularly in Germany, with regard to visibility and attracting new talent. Internationally, there are countries that invest heavily in their structures, while here the resources are often more limited.

The Sport for Development approach could play an important role in positioning fencing not just as a competitive sport, but also as a tool for personal development. Through targeted programs, children and young people, especially in countries with little access to fencing, could be introduced to the sport. Fencing teaches values like discipline, respect, and fair play – all of which are highly significant in the context of development cooperation. I believe such initiatives could not only spark interest in fencing but also contribute to empowering youth, especially girls, both in our partner countries and here in Germany."

What’s next for you? What are you currently working on, and where is your focus?

"I am currently serving on the board of the Olympic Refuge Foundation, to which I was appointed in May last year. In this role, I am committed to ensuring that displaced children and young people receive support and new perspectives through sports programs. Additionally, and this is very important to me, I am working to keep the Olympic spirit alive and advocating for a potential German Olympic bid, as I believe that such major events can serve as catalysts for important societal developments—whether in youth sports or infrastructure expansion. I believe that hosting the Olympics in Germany could provide a significant boost to sports infrastructure and inspire the younger generation to engage more in sports."