Tom Liebscher, canoe sprint Olympic champion in Rio2016, will compete at Coimbra's European Universities Games. The German canoe sprinter will head the list of most awarded athletes to compete at the EUG2018. We've talked with the Technical University of Dresden student about his expectations for the competition.

Is this the first time you participate at University level?

Yes, it is my first time competing for my university. I’m very excited about it.

What are your expectations for EUG Coimbra 2018?

My expectations are to have good competitions, meet other students from Europe and maybe visit the city of Coimbra.

What is the feeling of winning a gold medal at the Olympics?
The feeling is indescribable. At that moment a childhood dream come true for me. And it felt as if the work of the previous years had been done.

Even with medals at the Olympic Games and other major competitions, what’s your drive to compete at the EUG?
One point is the preparation for this year’s World Championship on this Course in Montemor. And the other point is that I want to give something back to my supporters in my university.

Please see some of Tom Liebscher major results at senior level: 

- 2017 World-Champion K1 1000m
- 2017 World-Champion K4 500m
- 2016 Olympic-Champion K4 1000m
- 2016 5th Place at Olympics K2 200m
- 2015 Vice-World-Champion K1 500m
- 2014 Vice-World-Champion K2 200m
- 2013 World-Champion K1 500m
- 4-time European Champion

CREDITS PHOTOS: Lutz Hentschel