It is a fairy tale from the past. A story that is going around the world. The protagonist is a fat guy from Congo , a pivot at the World Handball Championships in Egypt . Three games, 13 goals (out of 14 shots). Playing for a few minutes. More can not. It weighs 138 kg for almost two meters in height. It has an overflowing belly reminiscent of certain Bavarian fifth-liter brewers. His name is Gauthier Mvumbi Thierry is 26 years old. A mountain of meat and muscle. He was born in Chartres, north west of France, of Congolese parents. “I only play for fun. The rest matters little. Of course I would never have thought of doing a World Cup. Life is just weird. Sometimes even bizarre. I'm going home now. We have been eliminated by squadrons but we go out with our heads held high ”.
A tournament with 32 countries. The US stopped by Covid
The World Cup started on January 13 with 32 teams at the start (grand final Sunday 31). A rather muted departure. The fat African did it to wake up the media of the planet. And it was a festival of videos, social networks, YouTube, interviews. All surprised, incredulous, enchanted. Gauthier Mvumbi Thierry was followed especially after the pyrotechnic debut with Argentina. Four goals in 11 minutes. The organizers of the International Handball Federation (IHF) did not believe their eyes. “But where does this phenomenon come from? Who knows him? But how are you doing with that belly? And where it finds agility “. And down, phone Basel (Switzerland), seat of the powerful federation (246 affiliates, at the Olympics since 1972) to understand the mystery.
Very spectacular acrobatic falls
Everyone was expecting recognized stars such as the Norwegian Sander Sagosen (65 goals at the European Championships) or the Cuban full-back under Quatar , Frankis Carol , one who has the blow from afar, a play maker who plays in front of the door relentlessly like a guard Switzerland. And instead Mvumbi, jersey number 15, has appeared; strength, resistance (enough), re-entry speed. Skilled on the six-meter line in front of the goal. A buoy. He does not participate in the circulation of the ball, his role as pivot asks him above all to "make the blocks" to free a marked teammate or to look for a corridor that allows him to go to the goal. And in this he is a magician. He knows how to expand the opponent's defense. And when those take the bait he turns quickly and with a very spectacular fall goes to the shooting.
Nba legend Shaquille O'Neal applauds him
From the States, Shaquille O'Neal, the historic giant (2.16 m; 147 kg, shoe size 53) of the NBA, of Team USA (gold at the 1994 World Championships in Canada, gold at the Atlanta Olympics two years) showed up after), star of the Lakers (three titles). Eighth all-time NBA scorer with 19 years of enviable career on his back. In short, a legend. Today he is a rapper, an actor, a columnist on TV. “The Diesel” – one of his nicknames – called the big boy from Congo. Admired by his strength is agility. He would like it in the USA. Mvumbi, surprised, thanked. For now nothing is done. Cinderella returns to play in the French fourth division. He practically returns to the shadows, among amateurs. The story is over. Maybe.
The bells of Chartres cathedral
His city (40,000 inhabitants) is ready to celebrate it. The bells of the historic Notre-Dame – a Gothic masterpiece completed in 1220 – are prepared. The black giant deserves the embrace of his people. Today in France he is (almost) as popular as a Tour winner. Fairytales are always popular.
Source: Blitz Quotidiano