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As a candidate on the RTL dance show “Let’s Dance,” Taliso Engel impressed millions of viewers in front of their televisions last year. But on Saturday, the renowned Paralympic champion (in the SB13 class) will be back in his element. He will be swimming in Leipzig starting at 10:30 am – in a very special competition format!
At “Inclusive Wins,” Engel will jump into the pool at the sports campus swimming hall and compete against athletes with and without disabilities. In order to make the performances comparable, the participants will start at staggered times based on their personal best times. The winner will be the first to touch the wall at the end.
For Engel, this is more than just a race. He says, “It is important that we do not further advance the boundary between Paralympic and Olympic sports. Instead, we show that we can compare ourselves, compete against each other, and have fun together.”
He has already shown that he can inspire people. In the spring of 2025, despite having a visual impairment of around 8 percent, Taliso Engel fought his way with his show partner, Patricija Ionel, to the final of “Let’s Dance” – and sensationally took second place.
Just under twelve months later, he is once again eagerly following along – this time in front of the television. “In fact, I am still very close. I watch almost every Friday evening after training,” reveals Engel. He adds, “Because I know everyone, you have a completely different connection to the dancers and the celebrities. I know what they are going through.”
RB Legends and Katarina Witt also participating
But on Saturday at the sports campus, it’s not just about swimming. There are also competitions in 3×3 basketball, judo, and football on the schedule.
RB legends Dominik Kaiser (37), Tim Sebastian (42), and Sebastian Heidinger (40) will be participating. They will be playing in two mixed teams alongside players from the German Amputee National Team. Figure skating legend Katarina Witt (60) will also be coming to Leipzig. With her foundation, she is the main sponsor of the event and will be present as the patron.
