Fahrig was born in 1968 in Unkel in West Germany. He took up rowing aged 14 and over his career, he won 15 national titles. Initially rowing for WSV Bad Honnef, he later changed to RTHC Bayer Leverkusen. He attended all World Rowing Championships between 1988 and 1995. He was regarded as a leader among his rowing colleagues, had a disciplined training regime, and an aim for perfection.
