Alexander Schiffler’s path has been nothing less than extraordinary as he compete in his sixth Paralympic Games. At 45, the German sitting volleyball player finds himself on the brink of yet another shot at glory, aiming to add to his bronze medal from London 2012.

Schiffler’s Paralympic career began in Sydney 2000. His debut was marked by the raw energy and ambition of a young athlete eager to make his mark. His team finished just off the podium in fourth place at Athens 2004. It was a learning experience that set the stage for what would become the pinnacle of his career to date – the bronze medal at London 2012.

Despite the success in London, the years that followed were challenging. At the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, Schiffler and the German team struggled to replicate their past success, finishing sixth in both editions. These results might have signalled the end of a decorated career, but not for Schiffler.

“It’s great but of course, sometimes I can feel here and there the age already, to be honest. I’m fine, for sure, but sometimes, I feel it,” Schiffler says with a smile.

Competing in his sixth Paralympic Games is an achievement in itself, but Schiffler is not content with merely participating. He’s here for a medal, driven by the possibility of adding another proud moment to his storied career.

“It has been one of our main goals to move forward to the semifinals. We did that with two great matches,” Schiffler explained.

However, their recent match against Iran didn’t go as planned. “Today would’ve been the top of the iceberg, to beat Iran. We should’ve played much better. To be honest, before the match, we had some arrangements as a team that we would have a lot of substitutions in the first set to see what would happen.”

Now, Schiffler’s focus is firmly on the remaining matches, particularly the medal rounds

“We’re now focusing on the last two matches, the medal matches, and one of those or more would need to be ours, of course. We are trying our very best, and there are no excuses,” he asserted.

Schiffler’s dedication to the sport is mirrored in his personal life. He recently started a new role with a major energy company in Germany, and is balancing the challenges of a new job while competing at the highest level.

“I’ve just changed my job, and now I am moving forward, with Sachsen Energie. I just started this year in May. I am still within the 6-month probation period. It’s a totally new company, a big company with interests in energy, electricity, and gas. There is a lot of support from them. They watch what we are doing here so they are very proud,” Schiffler said.

Meanwhile, Schiffler’s family has been a constant source of support throughout his career. His wife, Michelle Schiffler, a former sitting volleyball player who won silver and gold with Team USA before switching to represent Germany, understands the demands of the sport like no one else. Though she and their two daughters, Malena and Michelle, couldn’t be in Paris, their support is felt every time he steps onto the court.

“My brother’s family came here to support and cheering that we would be able to move forward in the Games,” Schiffler shared. “Michelle has started a new teaching job so she has to stay home. Malena is now in school. It was not possible to bring immediate family, but I knew that from the start.”

The German team’s recent performance at the European Championships, where they secured a silver medal, has bolstered their confidence heading into these Games. For him, the opportunity to stand on the podium once more is within reach.

“A medal would be great, and we need to play our best,” Schiffler concluded, underlining his determination as he continues to chase Paralympic glory.

Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj