"Being dark-skinned in Germany, been tough sometimes"- Dennis Schroder on being the flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics

By Marie Amani

Modified Jul 25, 2024 05:01 GMT

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Dennis Schroder opened up about how it felt to be the men’s flag bearer for Germany at the Paris Olympic Games. The 30-year-old will represent the European country in basketball, as they make their seventh appearance in the sporting event.

Dennis Schroder explained that being selected for the flag bearer role was not something he took for granted, going down memory lane to remember how tough life was growing up.

The national team captain noted that with his mother coming from Gambia, his skin color was discriminated against but he had to keep the fire burning and follow his dreams, a move that saw him dine with greats.

Schroder added that the recognition was not only good for him but also for his family members and everyone who had to go through what he did to make it to the top. The feat is also historic as he is the first black man from Germany to carry the flag at an Olympic stage

"It’s insane, of course with my background as well. My mum from Gambia, me being you know dark-skinned in Germany been tough sometimes, growing up. But now to be able to represent Germany, it’s insane," Schroder said.

"It’s great for my family, not just for me. For people who has similar background, I mean, it’s a big and a huge statement in Germany," he added.

Schroder made headlines as he captained Germany to their first FIBA World Cup in 2023. He was a vital player in the team and his performancesearned him the World Cup MVP award. Germany now heads to the Olympics and is one of the top contenders for the Olympic title.

"I want to win every game I play"- Dennis Schroder unveils ambitious target for Paris Olympic Games

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Dennis Schroder will be looking to upset every team Germany plays against in the quest for Olympic glory in Paris.

The 30-year-old is confident that the German team has all it takes to stun their opponents, including their opening match rivals France. He admitted that playing against the hosts will be a tough ordeal, but the team believes in their abilities.

Dennis Schroder did not downplay the presence of Victor Wembanyama in the team, citing how lethal the youngster is.

"We have the host in the group. France is a strong team, especially when Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) is there," Schroder told basketnews.com.

"At the end of the day, I want to win every game I play ... Of course, we know anything is possible in basketball. As long as we give it our all for 40 minutes and play the way we know how, of course, we can beat anyone," he added.

Germany has been placed in Group and will be up against France, Japan, and Latvia in their hunt for Olympic glory.