More Than Medals: New Zealand Reflects on Dresden 2025

The World Transplant Games are about far more than competition. They are about celebrating the gift of life, honouring donors and donor families, building lifelong friendships and demonstrating what is possible after transplantation.

In its latest newsletter, the New Zealand Transplant Games Association shared a personal reflection on the journey to the 2025 World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany—offering an inspiring insight into the experiences, emotions and connections that make the Games so special.

From months of preparation, fundraising and training to arriving in Dresden and meeting teammates for the first time, the New Zealand delegation quickly formed a strong sense of community.

The week began with the #ReasonToGive 5km Run, followed by the Interfaith Celebration and the unforgettable Parade of Nations. As thousands of participants made their way through the streets of Dresden, national colours, flags and shared stories brought the global transplant community together.

One of the most moving moments came during the Opening Ceremony, when donor families and living donors received a standing ovation in recognition of the extraordinary gifts that make transplantation—and the World Transplant Games—possible.

As competition began, New Zealand athletes participated across a variety of sports while supporting one another from the sidelines. Beyond the sporting programme, the Cultural Evening, shared meals and daily celebrations created opportunities to connect with transplant recipients, living donors and supporters from around the world.

The final days delivered moments that captured the true spirit of the Games.

New Zealand athlete Josh Komen completed the men’s 800m—an achievement he had first dreamed of 20 years earlier, before ill health changed the course of his life. As he approached the finish line, spectators rose to their feet, cheering every step and creating a moment that would remain with the New Zealand team long after the Games.

Soon afterwards, New Zealand entered a men’s 4 × 400m relay team for the first time. Represented by two kidney recipients, a heart transplant recipient and an allogeneic stem cell recipient, the team carried the silver fern around the track to the support of an inspired international crowd.

The New Zealand delegation concluded the Games with 12 athletes and 19 medals. Yet, as their reflection highlights, the greatest achievements were not measured by podium finishes.

They were found in participation, friendship, resilience and the opportunity to embrace a second chance at life.

As attention turns towards the 2027 World Transplant Games in Leuven, Belgium, stories such as these serve as a powerful reminder of what awaits: world-class competition, unforgettable experiences and a global community united through the gift of transplantation.

For many, attending the World Transplant Games begins as a sporting journey.

It becomes something much greater.