I Started Crying Like Crazy

Jayce September 6, 2024 6 0

For Mark Lamsfuss, despite not being in peak physical condition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, his determination earned praise and admiration from his men’s doubles partner, Marvin Seidel.

This German duo made the following comments after their opening match in Group C, where they lost 21-13, 21-17 to Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto.

Lamsfuss on Their Performance

“I haven’t reached my level; my knee injury is too severe. I really can’t move. We tried to enjoy the match, and Marvin covered for me well on the court.”

On His Injured Right Knee

“It has been a tough period. I spent two months recovering and rehabilitating, but the situation didn’t improve. Then, six weeks ago, I had a minor surgery. We just tried to recover, but there wasn’t enough time.”

On Not Missing the Olympics

“This is the most important event in our sport. I just wanted to get on the court and show Germany that I did my best, even though it might be quite difficult.”

Not Being Able to Perform at His Best in Front of Family

“Everyone came here to support me; they had planned it a long time ago. I know they wouldn’t judge me at all; they know what I’ve done in the past few months (to rehabilitate for Paris). Instead, just standing there and not being able to move feels terrible.”

On Friday, Lamsfuss had his knee wrapped in thick bandages.

Seidel on Lamsfuss

“I’m impressed with how he’s handling this situation, largely because he doesn’t want to disappoint me, and I really appreciate that. Maybe I should tell him this more often than I do. I’ll probably tell him after the match because I know it’s incredibly hard for him to step onto the court with the maximum pain he can imagine and not perform at his best.”

How He Stays Positive Despite Difficulties

“Of course, it’s because of the Olympics. Sometimes I also feel frustrated for not being able to perform at 100%. But over the past few months, I’ve realized that Mark couldn’t do it, which took me through different emotional stages. Sometimes it’s really tough.”

Being Watched by Family

“I met my wife before the match, and then I started crying because it was such a big deal for us to be here. She arrived in Paris only this morning, and we weren’t sure if we’d meet before the match. Our bus took the wrong direction, and it took almost an hour to arrive instead of 15 minutes, so we were late. But we managed to catch up. When we hugged, I started crying like crazy. It was really touching.”

The Silver Necklace His Wife Gave Him

“It has ‘Strength, Love, and Spirit’ written on it. It was a gift from my wife. She gave it to me right before our warm-up. She also wrote me a long letter before I went to the Olympics, full of everything she loves about me. It means a lot to me; she supports me greatly.”

How He Gives Back

“I just try to be a good husband. I didn’t give her a gift, but I will find ways to make her happy.”