Ann-Katrin Berger: From cancer to the Olympic dream in the Gate of the DFB women

Ann-Katrin Berger: From cancer to the Olympic dream in the Gate of the DFB women

Marseille (dpa) - the Olympic Games are not only a sporty highlight, but also a symbol of personal triumph on adversities. Ann-Katrin Berger, the 33-year-old goalkeeper of the German women's football team, has found a remarkable way back to the top despite her cancer.

The return of the goalkeeper

Berger, which was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2017, has taken a stony path. Your journey through the world of performance football was made more difficult by setbacks in the health sector. After her second diagnosis in 2022 during the European Championship in England, she fought back successfully to the national team and now played for the DFB women in the opening game against Australia.
"Olympic games, that just means everything. That all the hard times behind me were simply worth it," said Berger in an emotional voice after the convincing 3-0 victory.

a path full of challenges

The meaning of sport goes beyond the sporty. For Berger it is the "happy ending" of her difficult trip. With her status as number 1 in the gate of the DFB selection, she not only embodies the fighting spirit, but also the hope for many who are in similar situations. Your path blooms in the light of the Paralympics and shows how stubborn and determined it is to meet the challenges of life.

A special duel is about

In her next preliminary round game, Berger meets the national team of her adopted home USA, which has also won a convincing 3-0 against Zambia. Despite its connection to the American selection, she cannot give valuable tips because it does not look regularly women's football. This awe of the opponents shows their humility and professional attitude while preparing for the next matchday.

one among the best

The goalkeeper is internationally recognized and was awarded third place in the years 2021 and 2022 at the election as FIFA World goalkeeper of the year. Nevertheless, she had felt a substitute for a long time in the national team. Her big goal was to take on a representative role on the field. "I really thought that he wanted to kid me," said Berger about the surprising decision by national coach Horst Hrubesch to nominate her as a starting player for the game against Australia.

a team that holds together

The joy of captain Alexandra Popp via Berger's promotion to the first row shows how close cohesion within the team is. Popp describes how Berger exudes extreme calm and actually implements it on the field. "Years of work, people" - Berger describes her career to number one, and their teammates support them in this way.

A look into the future

With this excellent performance and the team spirit that prevails in the DFB selection, the encounter against the USA will certainly be an exciting competition. Berger has proven that hard work and perseverance pay off and she is ready to continue fighting for her team in the future. Their story inspires and shows that the pursuit of dreaming, even in difficult times, should never be given up.

- Nag