Germany rethinks elite sport
According to this survey of over 1,500 respondents, the national population expects much more than podiums: it demands values, cohesion and tangible benefits for society
BONN, July 20, 2025 — new study released on Monday by the SINUS Institute – a leading German centre for social research and public opinion analysis – commissioned by the [German Olympic Sports Confederation] DOSB and the organisation Athleten Deutschland, showed that elite sport enjoys broad public acceptance in Germany, albeit with nuances that call for a deeper reflection on its purpose and goals.
According to this survey of over 1,500 respondents, the national population expects much more than podiums: it demands values, cohesion and tangible benefits for society.
Some 94 per cent of participants rated as ‘very important’ or ‘fairly important’ that public investment in sport should support youth and grassroots programmes in local clubs.
With the same level of support, an equal share called for ethical conduct as a non-negotiable foundation for any performance-related public policy. In addition, 91 percent highlighted the role of sport in strengthening the social fabric, 89 percent pointed to the inclusion of disadvantaged groups, and 88 percent valued athletes’ role-modelling potential.
“We want clean and safe sport, which benefits people in our country while also fostering the development of top-level performances,” said Olaf Tabor, DOSB director of elite sport. For Tabor, the challenge lies in reconciling sporting and social goals without losing sight of international ambition, “We are talking about internationally successful sport that benefits both organised sport and society.”
The study also signals a shift in how success is defined. While personal bests and competition wins remain key indicators for 92 per cent of respondents, there is also broad recognition for athletes who deliver outstanding performances without medals, or return after injury or parental leave. Eighty-one per cent valued athletes who raise the profile of their disciplines, and 69 percent considered a comeback after a break a form of success.
Maximilian Klein, deputy managing director of Athleten Deutschland, interpreted the findings as a call to shape a new strategic framework for elite sport in the country. “Society has a wide range of expectations towards high-performance sport. The key question now is what sporting and societal objectives should be pursued through public funding, and how to achieve them effectively.”
He added that the future national strategy should provide a meaningful narrative, make collective benefits visible, and serve as a benchmark for evaluating policies, reforms and future Olympic bids.
The study, carried out between June 2024 and mid-July 2025, included focus groups, online surveys and open debates. Findings also indicate that women and older people tend to be more critical of the current system, while men place greater value on international competitiveness. Individuals active in sports clubs, meanwhile, express higher expectations for the role of the state, though they perceive the risks of elite sport with less concern.
Another notable outcome is that, for a significant portion of the population, acceptance of elite sport depends on a strong foundation in community and youth sport. Eighty-one percent believe that support for grassroots sport should be prioritised even above elite-level investment, while 94 per cent demand firm safeguards against doping, abuse or any conduct that undermines human rights and personal integrity.
As a closing message, both the DOSB and Athleten Deutschland made clear that this study marks the starting point for a national conversation on the future of elite sport in Germany. The continuation of that dialogue will now depend on the political will of the new coalition government and the engagement of all relevant stakeholders. In the words of the report itself, “It is not only about winning, but about building a system worth defending.”
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