German long jumper Markus Rehm captured his eighth consecutive world title at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, but the victory marked the end of his 16-year partnership with coach Steffi Nerius. The duo began working together in Bangalore at Rehm's first international competition after he lost his right leg in a wakeboarding accident at age 14. Nerius, a former javelin world champion, helped Rehm transform from an uncertain teenager into a record-breaking athlete who pushed the amputee long jump mark from below 7 meters to 8.72 meters in 2023.
Rehm credited Nerius with helping him restore his identity after the accident stripped away his athletic self. The coach balanced technical precision with emotional support, and their relationship bore a resemblance to a family bond more than a professional arrangement. Rehm plans to continue competing with a Dutch training group in Amsterdam, and he still aims to surpass his world record.
Rehm credited Nerius with helping him restore his identity after the accident stripped away his athletic self. The coach balanced technical precision with emotional support, and their relationship bore a resemblance to a family bond more than a professional arrangement. Rehm plans to continue competing with a Dutch training group in Amsterdam, and he still aims to surpass his world record.
