Juri Knorr criticizes the handling of German athletes by the authorities.
Top-notch handball player Juri Knorr has voiced concerns about the treatment of high-profile athletes in Germany. According to Knorr, there's an excessive focus on maintaining a certain image in the German sports scene. "People in the limelight are expected to fit specific molds, and if they don't, they're often criticized or judged swiftly," Knorr stated in an interview with "Mannheimer Morgen." For instance, "it's a hot topic what attire a footballer chooses for the German national team. I just can't help but wonder if that's all that important," remarked the 24-year-old.
Knorr personally experienced public scrutiny during the coronavirus pandemic. Following his recovery from an infection in November 2020, he opted against getting vaccinated. Consequently, he missed the Handball European Championship and received a barrage of criticism. "That wasn't an easy period for me," Knorr reflected one year later. He was tagged with descriptions like "the Kimmich of handball," which he admitted left an impact on him in April 2022.
Knorr avoids the limelight
By September 2024, the world had moved on from the pandemic, and the Olympics in Paris sparked a tiny handball enthusiasm in Germany. Knorr's popularity in Germany skyrocketed after the DHB team secured the silver medal in Paris. "Attention has skyrocketed swiftly," Knorr acknowledged. He appreciates "the fans who wear jerseys with my name, those who seek autographs or photos with me. I truly value that," said the playmaker. However, "I'm not the type who craves attention every few days."
Consequently, he won't miss the frenzy when he joins Danish top club Aalborg HB in the summer of 2025. "In Denmark, I doubt I'll remain as intriguing to the wider public. And I believe a little less attention would benefit me too," Knorr pointed out. Apart from offering further development and regular Champions League participation, the move to Aalborg has personal advantages too. He will be closer to his hometown of Bad Schwartau, enabling him to "spend more time with my grandparents, parents, sister, and friends."
Knorr highlighted that the focus on maintaining a specific image in sports can sometimes lead to unnecessary criticism, as seen when he chose not to get vaccinated and missed the Handball European Championship. Despite his newfound popularity in Germany, Knorr prefers to avoid the limelight and is looking forward to a less intrusive life in Denmark with Aalborg HB.
