IRV General Assembly thanks outgoing Vice President Günter Fischer

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the IRV, Günter Fischer hands over his Vice President role to newly elected Katharina Heymann

It all began with a glitch. Günter Fischer wanted to play football, but his mother said no because she did not want to wash muddy clothes. Instead, he was enrolled in the local wheel gymnastics club in Rimpar, Germany – a life-changing decision.

Günter’s first Rhönrad experience was as an athlete, and he trained and competed with great success. From 1984 onwards, he was invited to become a member of the renowned and internationally acclaimed show team of the German Gymnastics Federation – the “DTB Schauturngruppe” – and got to tour around Europe and the world.

11 years later, he joined the newly founded International Wheel Gymnastics Federation (IRV)’s technical team – and he has served the IRV ever since. As Vice President, he was re-elected numerous times and was primarily responsible for competitions. Amid all the excitement and hectic activity of the World Championships, there was always one person who kept everything under control – Günter. He also played a key role in many of the decisions and reforms that have modernised our sport, including the introduction of routines performed to music, the introduction of vault for women, the writing of the Framework Conditions for all IRV competitions, the introduction of the IRV Certified Competitions …. Günter was accessible for every question and weighed in all his experience to shape our sport and ensure fair competitions.

After more than 30 years with the IRV, Günter decided not to stand for re-election at the 2026 General Assembly. The entire wheel gymnastics community bid him an emotional farewell and thanked him for his outstanding service and dedication.

Thank you, Günter.

IRV Judging Officer Katharina Heymann was nominated to fill the vacant position of Vice President. She was elected by an overwhelming majority at the General Assembly, and the IRV is proud to welcome another woman to its Executive Board.

As Katharina’s area of expertise is judging, she will continue to contribute to this field in her new role as Vice President. We wish Katharina every success and look forward to a bright future for the IRV.