- Grandpa Grozer is in the lead, volleyball player in the quarterfinals
Georg Grozer, a renowned volleyball player, was not previously known as an early bird. However, the 9:00 AM start time against Argentina was of no concern to the 39-year-old ace. He was determined to dispel any doubts about Germany's advancement.
"It's my job here as the team's elder statesman. Of course, I wanted to make a statement that I'm here and eager to win. And I believe I helped drive the team forward," Grozer said after the 3:0-0 (25:13, 25:21, 25:21) victory. For the first time since 2012, Germany has advanced to the Olympic quarterfinals.
Grozer has been Germany's top volleyball player for over a decade. "Hammerschorsch" is still the undisputed leader of the team, with immense energy and impact at nearly 40 years old.
Grozer scored 10 points in the first set alone, with remarkable efficiency. In total, he scored 16 points, as his teammates also posed significant challenges to Argentina's defense. The Germans, with some home support, generated substantial pressure through their serves.
"Today, we saw again that we have many players who can make a difference in crucial moments," explained captain Lukas Kampa. "Other teams notice that. You can feel the growing respect in the Olympic Village, that they realize we're serious."
Kampa and Grozer, the only two members of the 2012 Olympic team, aim to go further than they did in London, where they lost in the quarterfinals to Bulgaria. "We're playing for a medal, and that's how it will stay," Grozer said. Germany's only men's volleyball medal came in 1972, when the East German team finished second.
Kampa, who had a four-ace service run in the second set, is also optimistic. "If we can maintain our stability, our journey could go very far, and we won't have any regrets," he said. Being at the Olympics again is "a great gift."
An early start, like the one against Argentina and Japan, is no longer a concern for the Germans. "I'd almost say it's beneficial if we don't have too much time to wait before the game starts," Kampa said. "If we can get up, look each other in the eyes, have a quick breakfast, and go, that's better than waiting all day."
The opponent and match time in the quarterfinals will likely be determined after the group phase ends on Saturday evening, using the tournament's ranking system.
Men and boys in the German volleyball team have shown resilience and determination, proving their competitiveness even in early morning matches. Grozer, as the elder statesman among men and boys on the team, led by example during their 3:0 victory against Argentina.
