According to psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan of Richter University in New York, motivation is E³. Based on their self-determination theory, it is founded on autonomy, mastery and relatedness. During his visit to the Georgianum, young swimming talent Fabio Berendes demonstrated that this also applies to him.
Fabio independently chose the rocky path towards the world’s elite. He changed schools, moving from the Georgianum to the BBS, set his sights on becoming a police officer and, for the sake of this career, put many other aspects of life on hold. “During the week, I train six times in Osnabrück and four times here before school,” says the now 18-year-old, who swims for VfL Osnabrück. “That passion must be almost boundless,” said teacher Martin Glosemeyer. “Otherwise, it simply wouldn’t work.”
Fabio has also enjoyed success. As recently as 2025, he was nominated for the European Junior Championships and took part in this major event in Slovakia. During his visit to the Georgianum, he proudly wore the T-shirt with the eagle on the chest. “We flew to the European Championships with 40 people. That was a highlight. We also swapped swimming caps with swimmers from other nations there,” reported Fabio.
This also demonstrates his integration into the German junior national team. And, of course, his affiliation with VfL Osnabrück. To get to training, Fabio and his friend make the 45-minute journey to Osnabrück six times a week. “This journey comes at a price,” says teacher Martin Glosemeyer. “You have to love it endlessly and celebrate it every morning so that this journey is and remains a path to success.”
Fabio expressed his gratitude on several occasions for the invitation to return to his old school, which he remembered fondly and had not left due to poor academic performance. Fabio took this step, too, in pursuit of success. “Fabio was and is a thoroughly honest person who was always in good spirits. I’ve taken him to my heart,” said teacher Wilma Stadtherr, who, along with teacher Henning Bach, subject coordinator Marc Kaufhold and headteacher Lucas Sieberg, welcomed the 18-year-old to the Georgianum.
The sports class then enjoyed 90 minutes of top-class tuition with tips from the expert. Fabio gave the sports-mad kids – who have PE twice a week and have each found their sport or are still looking for one – an introduction to front crawl. With familiar exercises such as doggy paddle, but also with individual feedback on leg kicks, arm strokes and breathing, he quickly became popular with the children. “I was absolutely delighted that Fabio came here,” said teacher Martin Glosemeyer, who still remembered exactly the PE lessons they’d shared and the ‘Youth Training for the Olympics’ gymnastics performance. “Fabio is an all-round talent. He picks up any sport in no time at all.” Theo and Jana Mia in particular seemed to be on cloud nine that morning. They love swimming and listened to his words even more attentively than usual.
And the sports class had some gifts ready. Fabio received a large bar of chocolate bearing the inscription “Goldschatz” (gold treasure). After all, most of the kids in the sports class love chocolate. And Fabio proved himself to be a real gold treasure today as well. Alongside this, there was the favourite bookmark, which the kids and sports teacher Glosemeyer recited from memory, as well as the sports class pencil, whose five characteristics lead to a peaceful life and a supportive community. One aspect is the lead inside the pencil. “Always look at what is happening inside you and inside others,” the children then explained to the 18-year-old, who was able to learn something from this today as well.
We wish you all the best, Fabio, from the bottom of our hearts, and would like to say thank you once again. And we’re voting hard for you in the Young Sportsman of the Year 2026 award: https://www.noz.de/sport/lokalsport-emsland/artikel/sportlerwahl-emsland-2026-nominiert-sind-diese-neun-sportler-49876298
