Joachim Deckarm Biography
Joachim Deckarm, born on January 19, 1954, in Saarbrücken, Germany, was a former West German handball player who achieved great success before his career was tragically cut short by a devastating accident.
Deckarm was a VfL Gummersbach player who also represented the German national handball team.
Deckarm had tremendous success with Gummersbach, winning three German titles in a row from 1974 to 1976. In addition, he helped the team win two European team championships in 1974 and 1978.
He was an important member of the West German team that placed fourth in the Olympic event. His biggest triumph, however, came in 1978, when he was a member of the West German squad that won the first handball World Championship.
During his active years, Deckarm was largely regarded as the top player in the world. He possessed remarkable abilities and was an invaluable member of his teams.
His agility, speed, and scoring ability distinguish him from his opponents. However, tragedy happened on March 30, 1979, during a Eurocup encounter versus Tatabanya of Hungary.
Deckarm collided with defending Tatabanya player Lajos Pánovics while on a quick break towards the goal. Deckarm lost consciousness quickly as a result of the impact, resulting in a severe head injury.
He was in a coma for 131 days and regained consciousness with a severe physical impairment. Despite his status as a victim in the tragedy, Pánovics elected to discontinue his own career despite his relatively modest injuries.
Deckarm faced immense challenges following the accident, including bouts of deep depression. However, he showed remarkable resilience and fought his way back into life.
Although he remained physically handicapped, he gradually regained mobility and became capable of conducting short interviews. Currently, Deckarm resides in Saarbrücken, Germany, in a home for handicapped individuals.
Over the years, Deckarm formed a unique friendship with Pánovics. The two have regular visits, with Pánovics frequently traveling to Germany to spend time with Deckarm and his family.
Their extraordinary story of forgiveness and camaraderie was recognized in 2004 when they received an award from the International Fair Play Committee.
Is Joachim Deckarm Married?
Joachim Deckarm’s marital status is unknown currently as there is no information on the internet to ascertain that he was married or is even married as at the time that this article was been written.
The life story of Joachim Deckarm is one of triumph against adversity. Despite a devastating injury that ruined his handball career and left him physically unable, he found the resolve to reconstruct his life.
Deckarm continues to inspire others and embody the true spirit of sportsmanship via his extraordinary perseverance and determination.
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