Judoka turned photographer now captures favorite sport through lens

Germany’s Marcel Haupt is a photographer who truly stands apart from the crowd.

While others use digital single-lens reflex cameras, the German embraces the timeless artistry of an old analog version. This choice, despite its limitations, infuses his images with a rare and striking depth that moves the viewer. But it’s not only his technique that is special, his story is too.

Haupt once dreamed of becoming a famous judoka, as so many student-athletes at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games do. However, after many years of competition, he realised a powerful truth: the spirit of sports shines through many forms. Now, he expresses his passion for judo not on the tatami, but through his lens.

At the judo finals on Friday, 25 July, he captured the heart and soul of his beloved sport in a way only a true insider can.

Been there, done that

Haupt was once a student of photography. At first, he struggled to identify as a sports photographer, but over time, he came to embrace that role as a true reflection of himself. He now calls himself not only a sports photographer but also a trainer, a journalist, and a family man.

He has already covered multiple international sporting events, including taking photos at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Having competed in judo years ago, he knows the sport in all its details.

“As I was a judoka myself, I can understand how the student-athletes feel before, during, and after the competition. That makes me and my work special, and you can see that,” Haupt explained. “I’ve been there too, and I know exactly what’s going on in their heads.”

He often meets athletes after fights in the spaces no spectator sees. “The atmosphere is just different—very intense. Sometimes I see competitors cry. The moment is what matters to me,” he added. “I capture these very emotional moments because these are insights nobody else can see.”

Far away from the cheering crowds, after the big match or fight.

He referred to his camera as a bridge between the raw world of sports and a new form of art that reveals both aesthetics and emotion. As he is passionate about judo, he also described the tatami as his living room. “Judo is my life, you know,” he laughed. “It’s the best sport that ever existed because it teaches you so much about life and values.”

According to Haupt, the sport has significantly shaped his character, helping him grow not just as an athlete but as a person. He believes the lessons extend far beyond the tatami, offering a path to personal  growth, connection, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly strong – both inside and out.

“Everybody should try it,” he summed up, hastening to the women’s -78 kg medal ceremony to capture images of countrywoman Anna Monta Olek, who stood on top of the podium.

Other gold medallists on the penultimate day of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 judo competition included teammates Kim Hayun (women’s +78 kg) and Kim Jonghoon from the Republic of Korea (men’s -90 kg), Poland’s Michal Jedrzejewski (men’s -100 kg), as well as Japan’s Yuta Nakamura (men’s +100 kg).

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Johanna Horn, EU U-Media Ambassador, Germany

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.