Article 27.08.2002

An article of Gert Hellmann, Südthüringer Zeitung of 27.08.2002

Top sportsmen on an international standing do not always accept invitations. Especially when these are made by smaller, more insignificant clubs. The applicants often get cancellations by fax from the athlete’s agency or management. The top sportsmen simply haven’t got enough time to present themselves on various platforms, club meetings or talkshows. This is understandably, because both daily training and the sponsor’s requests take priority over other appointments. Despite of these practical necessities the stars of sports behave very differently concerning the rank and file of sports.
Sven Fischer is one of the athletes who rarely disclaims an invitation, though he is known for his tremendous diligence in training. Occasionally he combines such appointments with his training. A few weeks ago, Fischer went to Vacha’s (small town in Thuringia) goal spree by racing cycle. The goal spree visitors rewarded him with great attention and a beautiful present. Last Saturday he honored the visitors of Breitungen’s “People’s Olympics” with his presence. The double Olympic Champion and five times World Champion fulfilled all requests for autographs, honored children and adults for their achievements at the People’s Olympics, patiently accepted the delays of the timetable, had smalltalk with the visitors and handed over a signed jacket to the value of 250 Euro to the organizer in view of an auction. The proceeds goes to the Red Cross in aid of the victims of the flood disaster, as does his fee.
All this doesn’t go without saying nothing in the league Sven Fischer plays in: during the Tour de France, the Thuringian was guest of the Telekom enterprise, was taken to Avignon on a privat airplane, was entertained lavishly in a five-star hotel and enjoyed that aswell.
Appearances in high society such as these are a part of life of a celebraty. More than just a few only accept appointments like that. It says something for this calm and sensitive sportsmen from our home region, that he isn’t of that kind. Despite of great achievements which have been continuing for almost a decade now, Sven Fischer is still rooted to his native soil.