German lifesaving star Nina Holt has been nominated for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025, recognising her extraordinary achievements and global impact on the sport of lifesaving.

Holt’s nomination comes as no surprise to those who witnessed her remarkable performances at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, where she delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in the sport’s history. Holt set multiple world records, claimed gold medals across individual and relay events, and was named Athlete of the Day after she collected two gold medals, each accompanied by a world record.

At just 22, Holt has established herself as one of the most decorated lifesaving athletes of her generation. She is a seven‑time world champion, a five‑time World Games gold medallist from Birmingham 2022, and holds multiple world records across pool lifesaving disciplines.

Her 2025 season was nothing short of exceptional. On the opening day in Chengdu, Holt shattered the world record in the 100m Rescue Medley, touching in 1:03.69, before anchoring Germany’s 4×50m Pool Lifesaver Relay team to another world record and gold medal just an hour later.

Reflecting on her connection to the sport, Holt has often said that lifesaving feels like a community more than a competition:

“In lifesaving you basically know everyone. Even if you compete against each other, it’s like a friendship,” Holt said.  

About the Athlete of the Year Award

The World Games Athlete of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honours bestowed by the International World Games Association (IWGA). Each year, 30 athletes or pairs are nominated by their international federations in recognition of their exceptional achievements and contributions to their sport.

Key details about the 2025 award include:

• 30 nominees across a diverse range of sports
• Public voting opens 12 January 2026 and closes 2 February 2026
• Fans may vote once per day, selecting two athletes per session
• The Top 10 athletes advance after the 26 January elimination round

The Top 3 finishers receive a trophy, a valuable prize, and global promotional support

Holt represents the sport of Life Saving as the official nominee for 2025, standing alongside world‑class athletes from gymnastics, wakesurfing, ju‑jitsu, underwater sports, and more.

ILS encourages the global lifesaving family to join in supporting Nina Holt during the voting period. Her nomination reflects the strength, spirit, and unity of our sport.