(August 5, 2008)
Dirk Nowitzki, one of the best NBA players and top star for Germany's men's basketball team, said he feels good in Beijing now that he’s arrived. Though the training is tough and the bed in Olympic Village is a little small for him, the big man doesn't sweat the small stuff.
"I like the Olympic Village," he said. "Participating in the Olympics is my childhood dream. I slept well in Olympic Village."
Apart from playing well during the Beijing Games, Nowitzki has another dream: to be the flag holder for Germany's Olympic delegation during the opening ceremony.
But he knows he will face competition.
"The flag holder is always an experienced Olympic athlete who has taken part in four or five Olympics," he said. "So, no matter who will take this mission, it's totally acceptable for me."
Nowitzki has been practicing his shooting as the German team will face Angola in the first competition, which is expected to attract nearly 20,000 spectators.
To the surprise of the NBA star, he is quite popular in Beijing, where many fans have asked for his autograph and to take photos with him.
Michael Vesper, the captain of German delegation spoke highly of Nowitzki.
"Dirk is always patient with the fans," he said.
NBA star Chris Kaman introduced yoga, dubbed the "Oriental secret weapon," to the German team as part of the team's training before the Games.
The German team practices yoga for 45 minutes every day in addition to formal training, German media reported.
Robert Garrett, Nowitzki's roomate, said: "I can't imagine what my life would be without yoga."
