Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, was a familiar face in the stands at the Paris Paralympics, but not for a football match. He was there to cheer on his longtime friend, Wojtek Czyz, a Paralympic badminton player competing for New Zealand. Their friendship stretches back over two decades, forged in the wake of a devastating injury that changed Czyz’s life.
When Czyz, a promising football player, suffered a leg amputation following a collision with a goalkeeper, Klopp, then managing FSV Mainz 05, offered his support during his rehabilitation. This bond grew stronger over the years, with Klopp often drawing inspiration from Czyz’s remarkable journey.
In Paris, Klopp watched as Czyz faced Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the men’s singles SL3 category, reserved for players with disabilities affecting one or both legs. Despite a valiant effort, Czyz lost the match in straight sets.
While the result wasn’t ideal, Klopp’s presence was a source of comfort for Czyz. “Jurgen is family to me,” Czyz said. “It was great having him in my corner, despite the tough loss today. We need people like Jürgen putting the spotlight on us.”
Bethell, the No. 2 seed, was also touched by Klopp’s presence. “That was surreal, seeing him (Klopp) in the stands,” he said after his victory.
Czyz’s journey in Paris isn’t over. He’ll have another chance to advance in the group stage when he faces Ukraine’s Oleksandr Chyrkov. Will he invite Klopp to cheer him on again? “Given my performance today, I’ll have to think about it,” Czyz joked.
Klopp’s unwavering support highlights the enduring power of friendship and the importance of celebrating human resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder that beyond the trophies and titles, there are stories of triumph and inspiration that deserve recognition and admiration.
