Standhardinger makes 'biggest sacrifice' for country

Representing the Philippines in international sporting competitions is not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of sacrifice, and basketball player Christian Standhardinger knows a thing or two about it.

In an Instagram post Friday, the San Miguel Beer rookie said he had to miss his younger sister's wedding to play for the national team.

 

When people talk about making sacrifices for the country it can mean spending extra time investing in meetings or the practice units you have to add to your already packed schedule. It can also mean that you are struggling with a weary body that would rather rest and heal than going to “war” against China, Kazakhstan or South Korea. Sacrificing also means being away from your family and loved ones for a while. In my opinion that is not quite right since at the end of the day you still do what you love to do with your brothers/ teammates and you get so much in return coming from the support of your fellow countrymen and their excitement and energy. 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. But today 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. She is a person with a pure heart and manages to be successful in her job. She is that kind of person who would call me out of the blue asking me “Kuya, are you ok? I just had a weird feeling”. That is what makes her so special and words cannot express how proud I am to see her growing up and becoming the woman she is now, especially her being a soon-to-be-mommy. She chose a great husband who is smart and driven and I am honored to welcome him to our family. I know he will take good care of her. 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”. Mahal kita little sis, seeing you today filled my heart with joy ??????????????????

A post shared by Christian Standhardinger (@c.standhardinger) on

Aug 24, 2018 at 5:35am PDT

"When people talk about making sacrifices for the country, it can mean spending extra time investing in meetings or the practice units you have to add to your practice schedule... Sacrificing also means being away from your loved ones for a while," Standhardinger wrote.

The big man also shared that while he appreciates the support of fellow Filipinos, missing his sister's wedding is one of the biggest sacrifices he's made for the country.

"You get so much back from seeing hardworking 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 welcoming a happy break between their hard-working shifts. But today I honestly feel and I sincerely admit it that I made the biggest sacrifice in my national team career for my country,"  he wrote.

Despite being away, he managed to see her sister's wedding via video call.

Standhardinger then went on to describe how sweet her younger sister is, and apologized for not making it to the wedding.

"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." Mahal kita little sis, seeing you today filled my heart with joy," Standhardinger added.

 

We will keep fighting! The next one is ours! Thanks for your support! ????????????????#gilaspilipinas #labanpilipinas #puso #fight #asiangames2018

A post shared by Christian Standhardinger (@c.standhardinger) on

Aug 21, 2018 at 4:16am PDT

In the national team's last game against China, Standhardinger tallied 18 points and 8 rebounds. The Philippines will play Asian basketball rivals South Korea in the quarters Monday morning. — LA, GMA News