Para‑rower Kathrin Marchand wins gold at Hannover finals amid online abuse fight

Para‑rower Kathrin Marchand captured the gold medal in the mixed para double sculls with partner Valentin Luz at the finals on the Maschsee in Hannover, despite extreme summer heat. The 35‑year‑old, who survived a stroke in 2021, said, “Ich finde, die Finals sind eine tolle Veranstaltung,” and highlighted the importance of showing a presence at the event.

Beyond the race, Marchand leverages a 19,000‑follower Instagram account to educate followers about her disability, criticize inadequate sport funding, and confront hateful comments. She filed a police report after a follower urged her to commit suicide, stating, “Es liegt nicht in meiner Natur, mir Dinge gefallen zu lassen.” Marchand aims to secure a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics and continues to use her platform to push back against online harassment.