Try GOLD - Free
KLOPP PROUD OF INSPIRING FRIEND
The Straits Times
|August 31, 2024
Former Reds boss was in stands to support long-time pal who competes in badminton
-
Jurgen Klopp was famous for inspiring comebacks, but even the former Liverpool manager is amazed by his friend Wojtek Czyz who battled back from a horrific football injury to become a multiple Paralympic champion.
The German was in the stands at La Chapelle Arena on Aug 29 to support the 44-year-old as he competed in the badminton competition at Paris 2024.
The pair have known each other for more than 20 years after Czyz a four-time German Paralympic champion in athletics who has switched to compete in badminton for New Zealand - suffered the injury that not only ended his football career but led to his leg being amputated.
Klopp was far from a lucky charm for his friend, who lost 21-5, 21-2 to Briton Daniel Bethell, the second seed, but he knew this was one of the rare occasions in sport when the result is less important than taking part.
"I couldn't be prouder of him. Yesterday we were standing in front of the Eiffel Tower and we thought wow, it's super, super special," the 57-year-old said of Czyz.
This story is from the August 31, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
AMORIM PROUD OF STICKING TO BELIEFS
Red Devils boss 'learns a lot' during rough ride as EPL side begin to turn corner at last
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
A school team gave back a trophy.Here's why it matters
These are kids who understand integrity and a coach who remembers winning isn't quite everything. In the old days, we called this character.
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
How Singapore produce can win over price-conscious consumers
Local producers and retailers must better understand consumers' psyche.
4 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
SEA Games medallist jailed for drink driving, crashing into car
SEA Games squash gold medallist Vivian Rhamanan has been sentenced to two weeks' jail, after an incident where he had been drink driving and his vehicle collided with a car travelling on the opposite lane of a road in Sembawang.
2 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
Smart packs #5 with space, comfort and efficiency
Biggest model from Chinese-German brand offers longest range among cars of its size and performance
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
9 in 10 young women not taking active steps to protect breast health: Poll
Ms Jamie Ng was flourishing in her career in the fashion industry, with a degree under her belt and a stable job, when she found out three years ago that she had breast cancer.
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
The battle for New York
A fight is brewing between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani.
4 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
JOURNALISM READY TO MAKE WORLD HEADLINES
Nov 1 Breeders' Cup Classic form analysis
1 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
Does the Singapore River need to change course to remain relevant?
Older generations value its role in the nation’s history and remember the area’s heyday as a nightlife hub. How can it better appeal to a younger crowd who may be going out less?
5 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
Grace Fu named among Time's 100 most influential climate leaders
Minister recognised for her efforts along with others including Pope Leo XIV
2 mins
November 01, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size