Bronze feeling: German wheelchair basketball players celebrate historical success

Bronze feeling: German wheelchair basketball players celebrate historical success

celebrations in Paris: The German wheelchair basketball players celebrate their historical success in the insane night after the bronze win.

Captain Jan Haller, who has been convincing for 35 years, spoke with shining eyes about the lavish celebration in the German House. "We only arrived at half past one, the ceremony was so late. There was beer and wine all night. I am older and was in bed at 5 a.m., but some of us only came back to the hotel at half past nine. We really celebrated! For us, bronze feels like gold," said Haller after the memorable triumph.

The winning of the bronze medal in wheelchair basketball is a significant moment in German sports history, as this has been the first medal for the team for an incredible 32 years. In the crucial game for third place, the team prevailed against Canada, which even resolved the tension and pressure of the previous tournaments and paved the way for the big celebration.

A picture of joy: Jan Haller and his colleagues, full of proud about their medal, celebrate in the German House.

Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

long trip to the medal

This medal is something very special for Haller. It's not just his first medal; It is the icing on the cake after months of hard work. In his previous participations in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021, the German players repeatedly failed in the quarter -finals, which increased the disappointment until a dream was fulfilled. "A dream came true! I really wanted to have this medal around my neck, and now I can say that it is quite difficult," he said proudly.

The emotional bond for sport is reinforced for Haller by the presence of his family. "It was very emotional to have my girlfriend Doro, my Papa Frido and my Mama Petra with me at the medal handover." Haller himself brings a special story with a rare malformation of the spine, the so-called "caudal regression sequence" (CRS), which makes his journey even more impressive.

The way to the bronze gain is particularly noteworthy. After the defeat against Canada in the preliminary round, the players were both physically and emotionally. In the crucial game for third place, they were temporarily with eleven points. But the turning point came in the last quarter; Haller commented on the turn with the words: "Canada was flat, but we could hit." What was the secret of this upswing?

intensive preparation for the big destination

The three -week height training camp in Italy was a decisive factor. Here the players learned to raise their fitness to the next level, which not only increased their physical strength, but also strengthened team dynamics. "We trained twice every day. We subordinated this preparation for the tournament in Paris. It was really worth it," said Haller.

The culinary delights and the community were further ingredients for their success concept. The mix of young and experienced players, including Jan Sadler, Tobias Hell and Alexander Buddde, who all play for Hannover United in the Bundesliga, ensured the synchronicity and team chemistry. "We have been together for a long time and know how we complement each other," continued Haller.

Mid of the week it is time to say goodbye to Paris, where the team takes the bus to Cologne on Monday afternoon. However, the schedule hardly provides for calm; The new Bundesliga season begins on October 5. Haller and his team are ready to show their shape in their home game against Hamburg in the Sophioschule-with the bronze medal as an incentive. The next big goal is already waiting.