Filo Wüst: Unstoppable German machine revs up for gold in Dakar

For Filo Wüst, his beach volleyball journey cannot be complete without the mention of family. For perspective, both of his parents played beach volleyball professionally while his brothers, Tamo, Lui and Mio, are still active players on the sand. That’s why it almost feels criminal that at some point, Filo considered pursuing a career in tennis while growing up.

“I stopped playing tennis when I was 13 because of injury but mainly because my family influenced me to play beach volleyball. I’ve done it for three years now as a professional and I’m really enjoying it,” Filo told FIVB.com.

Family not only brought Filo to the sport but also follows him wherever he is playing. His father, Oliver, is currently his biggest supporter in Saly at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games where alongside his partner Lasse Hüper they are the top seeds in the boys’ competition.

“I like it that my family is here because it takes a little bit of pressure from you and makes you feel safe especially in a foreign country,” said Filo matter-of-factly before revealing the boundaries they’ve set for each other as family during competitions.

“Since I was eight, I’ve always told my family that I don’t want them to give me any tips from the stands...I’m happy when they just support me as fans. Even at home we try not to talk about volleyball because our lives majorly revolve around it,” he added half-jokingly.

Besides family, another constant figure in Filo’s beach volleyball journey has been Kersten Holthausen who coaches Germany’s men’s youth teams. Holthausen has been there from the early days when Filo followed his siblings to the sand courts to date when the 17-year-old is now being referred to as a world champion.

“I’ve known him since he was a little boy because he used to cheer for his brothers during international competitions and we could do some peppering together. I’ve worked with his three brothers but Filo stands out because he is so creative in the way he solves complex situations on court.

“He has got an awesome touch and clear mind about what he needs to do to find the best solution. I’m glad that he is German because it would have been a pity facing him as an opponent,” Holthausen sang Filo’s praises before delving into his new partnership with Lasse Hüper that delivered gold at this year’s FIVB U18 World Championships in The Hague, Netherlands.

“They have got a different style now because Lasse is a classic blocker and we have had to adapt a little bit. Initially with Jonathan (Bungert), it was more of modern beach volleyball that is jump setting and option play,” explained Holthausen.

Filo, who won CEV 2025 European U18 Championships and claimed silver medal at the 2025 FIVB World U19 Championships with Bungert, concedes that his game has changed significantly with Lasse’s arrival.

“I like playing a fast game but with my new partner we have slowed down a little bit because we haven’t had the opportunity to train together for long. I’m enjoying playing full defence and it’s amazing what we have already achieved together. There’s some pressure that comes with being world champions but I’m sure we can handle it well,” said Filo.

Like every other player, Filo has had to quickly adapt to the hot and humid conditions of Saly and he is optimistic that his third trip to Africa will yield gold.

“I’ve been to Africa before in Namibia and Cape Verde for a training camp and competition. It’s always nice to be here, especially because I like the people and hotels. The Olympic village is also nice so I’m happy to be here.

“It’s hot but I am kind of used to it. We've played some tournaments under very hot conditions this year so it’s all about managing the heat and conserving our energy. We are targeting gold and it will be a very proud moment for me if we can manage to do that,” offered Filo.

For Filo, Dakar 2026 has not only presented the opportunity to become an Olympian but also the privilege of being Germany’s flagbearer at the Games.

“It’s a big honour and adds something special to participating in these Games…It’s my proudest moment representing Germany. I’m so excited about this tournament because I’ve been looking forward to it since I was 14,” added Filo amid a grin.

Ultimately, Filo’s dream is to represent Germany at subsequent Summer Olympic Games and senior World Championships.

“I want to continue playing beach volleyball professionally and be at the top of the world; playing at the Olympics and World Championships. LA28 might be too soon but we will try our best with my new partner,” said Filo.

His current coach Holthausen strongly believes it’s not a question of if but when that will happen.

“Filo has been around high level beach volleyball since he was young and that’s why he is doing so well. He has joined our national teams development centre in Hamburg and I’m pretty sure he is going to be one of Germany’s top players in the near future,” he asserted.