BC Traktor Schwerin withdraws from the 1st Bundesliga: focus on the future!

BC Traktor Schwerin withdraws from the 1st Bundesliga: focus on the future!

An unexpected withdrawal is causing a stir in boxing: BC Traktor Schwerin will not take part in the 1st Bundesliga next year. This decision was made by the club's management and was justified by the need for a break for strategic realignment. The focus is on personnel changes that have recently dominated the team, including the tragic loss of coach Michael Timm in September 2023. The club now wants to focus on young talent and build a new Bundesliga team.

The BCT board has indicated that there were also other departures that led to this decision. Paul Döring, the previous sports director, will be the new sports director of the German Boxing Association. Michael Medwinski, who is completing his studies, and Marcus Abramowski, who is moving to Berlin for family reasons, also say goodbye. Departures of active boxers have further increased the need for a readjustment of the team.

A farewell to Michael Timm

On December 6th, a memorial event for the late coach Michael Timm will take place in Schwerin's Palmberg Arena. Jürgen Brähmer took over the organization. Numerous young boxers will be competing on this occasion and many of the trainer's friends and companions have announced their coming. Timm, who was affectionately called “Timmi” by his protégés, always focused on equal opportunities and justice in sport. His commitment helped not only beginners but also world champions to be successful.

The coach's legacy will continue into the future. Among other things, the children and youth project “Boxing instead of Violence” will be continued, which enables young people to participate in society and aims at integration and basic democratic values. Timm had always emphasized that the promotion of talent, regardless of origin, religion or skin color, is of great importance. The remembrance to him is also a sign of cohesion in the community.

Promoting young talent in sport

It's no secret that parents' concerns are often raised in competitive sports. Many fear that academic performance could suffer as a result of their sporting career. However, according to Jürgen Brüggemann, managing director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Sports Foundation, competitive sport and education must go hand in hand. He argues that parents of 13 to 14 year olds should be encouraged to give their children unconditional support in order to create optimal conditions for sport.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, there are already 18 sports schools that are closely linked to sports boarding schools, and a combination of athletic training and physical education from the fifth to seventh grade is already being practiced. Students between 15 and 18 should be able to successfully combine their school obligations with a career in competitive sports. However, it is pointed out that students should not become better through competitive sports, but neither should they become worse.

The BC Traktor Schwerin is therefore faced with the challenge of honoring Michael Timm's legacy and at the same time supporting a new generation of young talent. The coming months will show whether the club can successfully continue on the path it has chosen.