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Gensheimer frequently visualizes his father while singing the anthem.

Near the final stages of his career, Uwe Gensheimer reflects on a challenging personal experience - the passing of his father. The Rhein-Neckar Löwen's former national team player openly talks about the lasting impact of this event.

Der ehemalige Nationalspieler Uwe Gensheimer steht vor dem Spiel in der Halle.
Der ehemalige Nationalspieler Uwe Gensheimer steht vor dem Spiel in der Halle.

This article discusses handball, a team sport played with a ball and two competing teams. - Gensheimer frequently visualizes his father while singing the anthem.

Losing his dad shortly before the 2017 Handball World Championship weighed heavily on the mind of ex-national team captain, Uwe Gensheimer. "During those games, I kept picturing my father's image as the national anthem played," Gensheimer shared with the "Mannheimer Morgen" on Tuesday.

In January 2017, the elite left-back grappled with a critical choice - whether or not to participate in the upcoming tournament. "It was a decision I didn't want to make alone," admitted Gensheimer. To seek counsel, he turned to his family. "They told me, 'Your father would've wanted you to play.' "

Still pondering over his decision in 2023, Gensheimer confesses, "I'm not sure to this day if playing in the World Championship was right or wrong. Was it a distraction? Or did I use it to bury my emotions?" He doesn't have a definitive response.

Gensheimer stepped down from the national squad in 2021. After one last season with Rhein-Neckar, the 37-year-old will take on a new role as the sports director at Mannheim.

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Source: www.stern.de

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