EuroVolleyM 2023: Grozer is hungry for more
News
It has been a really good decade for German men’s volleyball and if there is one name that really stands out among a great generation of players, it is György Grozer.
György Grozer, also known as Georg Grozer, is a German player considered one of the best in the world. He began his volleyball career in his native Hungary before moving to Germany in 2002. After gaining German citizenship, he went on to play for the German national team. In 2016, Grozer announced his retirement from volleyball to spend more time with his family. However, he made a comeback in 2017 after taking a year off. In 2020, Grozer retired from the German national team, marking the end of his national team career.
But to the surprise of many, he has returned to the squad for EuroVolley 2023, challenging traditional notions of growing older and what it means for competing.
György Grozer“I am very happy. I ‘ve just returned from a 3 months vacation to spend four weeks with the full roster to prepare for EuroVolley. So I have pretty fresh legs after that break.”
Opposite of the German national team
And we could tell tonight against Estonia. The 2.00 m-tall opposite finished the game with 15 points and a 61% efficiency rate. Grozer is part of a small but growing number of older, stubborn volleyball players who are competing with each other in this European championship, top-level tournaments, and so much more. Using – and pushing – their aging bodies…
Senior players like György are urging younger colleagues to surrender nothing to age. “I am not saying that I feel like a rookie again”, he jokes. ”There will be aches and pains tomorrow, but I am just proud to be part of this team.That is also a reason why I came back. To push the boys a bit with my experience, my way."
Grozer's return to the German national team for EuroVolley 2023 is a testament to his passion for the sport and his determination to continue competing at the highest level. "There's always that little hope alive that you can make the Olympic qualifiers again and go to the Olympics" Grozer said. "Also at the European Championships, points for the world ranking are awarded in every match, which can be decisive for the Olympic qualification in the end."
Tonight György was able to go full speed during Germany’s 3-0 victory versus Estonia. His presence on the team brings experience, skill, and leadership, and he will undoubtedly be a key player in their pursuit of success in EuroVolley 23.