A tough road to Paris
German volleyball players long for the Olympics
September 28, 2023, 6:47 p.m
As soon as the early end at the European Championships was digested, the German volleyball players continued their Olympic qualification. The road to participation for the first time in more than ten years will be difficult. In addition to hosts Brazil, world champions Italy are also waiting in the group.
Outside on the white sandy beach of Saquarema, the waves are rushing, the palm trees are blowing in the wind – but the German volleyball players can’t be said to be in a holiday mood. Because inside, national coach Michal Winiarski’s team is working towards their dream: the Olympic Games in Paris. “The longing is great, the desire is there,” emphasizes captain Lukas Kampa. Especially when the 36-year-old strolls through the training center of the Brazilian national teams, where the selection of the German Volleyball Association (DVV) is getting the final touches for the qualifying tournament in Rio de Janeiro (September 30th to October 8th).
While the Brazilians have taken part in every Summer Games since 1964, Germany’s Olympic chapter is rather clear. After reunification, the men only qualified in 2008 and 2012. “The majority of us have never been to the Olympic Games,” explains Kampa: “That’s why I don’t think anyone needs extra motivation to want to fulfill this dream. “
However, the way there will be difficult. In Group A, alongside hosts Brazil, world champions Italy are also waiting for the DVV team. The start is on Saturday (10 p.m.) against Iran, which, like the other opponents from Ukraine and Cuba, is ranked ahead of 16th Germany in the world rankings. But the Czech Republic and Qatar, which are just behind in the ranking, should not be underestimated either. Only the two best teams qualify for Paris.
Starting difficulties are a big problem
Not an easy undertaking for the German team, which has had a rather disappointing season so far. In the Nations League, the DVV team missed the targeted final tournament, and the bitter round of 16 exit at the European Championships was less than a month ago. One lesson from the tournament is that “we definitely have to start the games better,” explains Kampa. You “can’t wait” to see what your opponent will do, but you have to “manage to be present right from the start, play aggressively and put our stamp on the game.”
Because good results are not only important with a view to the qualifying tournament. If the German men, like the women, miss the Olympic ticket there, there is still an opportunity through the world rankings. Five more starting places will be awarded next year.
Kampa would therefore like to avoid difficult comebacks in the games. At the European Championships, it took “extremely much effort” to “work back” from deficits, explains the setter. This was also the case in the knockout round against the Netherlands, who ultimately prevailed in the tiebreak. Even the German top scorer Georg Grozer, who Winiarski can count on again in Rio, couldn’t prevent the end. Meanwhile, the team believes they have a chance despite the difficult starting position. “The spirit,” says Kampa, “that we can do it” is there.