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Dirk Nowitzki as flag bearer: criticism hails
“He is authentic, impeccable, a role model for young people and combines success with the ability to work in a team. He has experienced big business, but has nevertheless remained modest,” said Vesper, explaining the DOSB’s decision for Nowitzki – and was met with incomprehension.
“I am disappointed that for the first time no athlete who has previously taken part in the Olympics has been chosen. Many of us in the team also shook our heads when we heard that the reason for the selection was authentic. There were many athletes who would have deserved it,” said Andreas Dittmer, who was the flag bearer in 2008 alongside Isabell Werth (horse riding), Fabian Hambüchen (gymnastics) and Ralf Schumann (shooting). He won three Olympic gold medals for Germany in canoeing.
“Our team is a little disappointed that the old tradition of selecting long-standing and successful Olympians for this task has been broken,” said sports shooting director Heiner Gabelmann. In his opinion, pistol shooter Schumann (three gold medals) would have been a better candidate.
And Kathrin Boron, four-time Olympic rowing champion, criticized: “For me, a flag bearer has to be someone who has achieved success at the Olympics and who can represent Germany based on his achievements.”
2024-07-26 09:22:24
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