Gilas Pilipinas fans show love to Standhardinger for making ‘the biggest sacrifice’ and missing his sister’s wedding
The German-Filipino giant posted a long Instagram message saying sorry to his sister Kathrin that he could not be there on her special day
Gilas Philippines fans hailed forward Christian Standhardinger after he made what he called “the biggest sacrifice in my national team career for my country” by missing his sister’s wedding in Germany.
The 29-year-old former Nebraska NCAA player posted a 375-word message on Instagram along with a picture of his sister Kathrin and her husband, saying that sacrifices do not only involve doing extra training when a weary and injured body protests. It is also about missing out on special occasions with family.
“You get so much back from seeing hard working Filipinos who choose to see your hard work on the basketball court as motivation and inspiration to keep on moving forward and pushing for a better life or as a welcoming happy break between their hard-working shifts,” Standhardinger, in Jakarta for the Asian Games basketball tournament, wrote.
“But today [Saturday] I honestly feel and I sincerely admit it that I made the biggest sacrifice in my national team career for my country. One of my little sisters got married today and she looked absolutely stunning.
“I am deeply sorry I could not be there in person, little sister. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I can’t wait to see you again to give you the hug I was not able to give you today after you said ‘Yes, I do’.
Standhardinger has a German father and Filipino mother and was born in Munich. He played for Nebraska and Hawaii and was the first overall pick in the 2017 Philippines Basketball Association draft, going to San Miguel Beermen.
Standhardinger’s followers on Instagram paid tribute to the six-foot-eight (2-metre) tall star, who scored 18 points against China in their 82-80 pool D loss on Monday – second only to NBA star Jordan Clarkson.
They next play defending champions South Korea on Monday in the quarter-finals.
“I don’t want to read long posts, but yours was definitely worth reading. Congrats to your sister! And May God bless you and the team on your next game,” wrote one fan.
Another wrote: “lab you bro! thanks for serving our country! thanks christian more power to you.”
One user called his sacrifice “noble”, writing: “May God bless you for doing such a noble sacrifice. I bet and I am pretty sure your sister is proud of you. Your Kababayans love and appreciate all your effort!.”
Yet another wrote: “absolutely heart warming message idol.. so proud of u. Pinoy na pinoy!”
He posted a shorter message on Twitter but the response was equally heartwarming.
One of his followers wrote: “Lovely message! Congrats & best wishes to your little sis and her hubby. Thank you for your sacrifice for our country. We’re always here to support all the athletes representing the Philippines. Good luck and God bless you always.”
