Welcome to My World: Dirk Nowitzki

Professional sport has taken you around the globe, and you still travel a lot today. To what extent has traveling influenced your life and your view of the world?

I have learned that it is incredibly enriching to get to know different cultures. You see how differently people live and understand that there is not just one right way to do things. Traveling definitely broadens your horizons, it has made me more open and curious.

Your basketball career is the best proof that you are open to new experiences. You were just 20 years old when you moved to the USA to play for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. That must have been exciting and challenging at the same time, right?

It wasn't easy at first. I was still living with my parents at home in Würzburg. It was a very big step for me: living on my own for the first time and then in a country that was foreign to me. Fortunately, I had great teammates in Dallas. The Mavericks were very supportive – whether it was on the court or with everyday things like finding a place to live.

You not only mastered everyday life with the team, but also celebrated numerous successes – and saw almost the whole world ...

That's true. I traveled a lot with the team for about 20 years. But I didn't really see much of the places where we played. Mostly just the hall and the hotel. I often thought: I'll be back one day. And that's what I've actually done over the past few years. Often together with my family. My wife and I find it very enriching to discover the world with our three children. They make me aware of things that I would otherwise not have discovered. Suddenly I'm standing in front of a work of art or a building for half an hour because one of my kids finds it exciting.

How has your life changed since the end of your career?

I can let go a lot more now compared to when I was still a professional. I used to always have to see where I could fit a workout into my schedule. I also had to constantly keep an eye on my diet. That's different today. I still enjoy doing sport, but without the pressure. As far as traveling is concerned, the kids have changed a lot. For example, we now start the day much earlier. My wife loves planning our trips, looking up activities and researching what we can discover. So I would say we are very relaxed on the road.

Speaking of relaxed on the road. You are over two meters tall. What do you need in terms of comfort when traveling?

For me, of course, most seats are pretty damn cramped. That's why I like to sit in the front row with a bit more space to the wall. I was very pleased about the introduction of the new Lufthansa Allegris Business Class. The seat, which converts into a 2.20-meter-long bed, is an absolute game changer for me. At last I can stretch out completely on a long-haul flight. When I flew with Lufthansa Allegris, I of course tried it out straight away – before we even took off. The comfort is enormous and the new seat options make flying much more pleasant for someone my size. It makes a big difference, especially on long-haul flights.

What are the other highlights of the new Lufthansa Allegris cabin for you?

In terms of technology, everything is state-of-the-art: the options for charging various devices, the new entertainment system and the noise-canceling headphones. And, above all, the customization options. You can adjust the seat temperature and choose different seat options, such as a double suite or the extra space seat. Whether you are traveling alone or together, there is a suitable solution for every need and every travel situation.

What makes a good flight for you? The space, the food, the service – or something completely different?

For me, it's the mix that makes the difference – the service on board, the comfort of the cabin. But above all, I appreciate finally being offline. That's hardly possible in everyday life, but on a plane I can consciously switch off. Then I watch a movie, listen to music or write in my diary – something I've been doing regularly for a few years now. Sometimes I don't get around to it for weeks, but on a long flight I finally find the peace and quiet to do so. This allows me to reflect on recent experiences – and record them for my children. Otherwise so much gets lost in everyday life.

Which trip do you particularly like to remember?

One of the most impressive trips in recent years was definitely Australia. I was fascinated by the culture, the openness of the people and their enthusiasm for sport. Especially during the Australian Open, it was a highlight for me as a tennis fan. We travel a lot in the summer, a lot in Europe. But a safari we went on in Kenya was also great. Our youngest looked for tracks, discovered animals and was totally passionate about it.

Is there a destination you still dream of visiting?

There are still so many great places I want to travel to. South America is definitely still on my bucket list. Although I've traveled so much, I haven't made it there yet. Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia – these are dream destinations for me.

About

The German athlete Dirk Nowitzki is one of the most successful basketball players of all time, having made history with his impressive career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won an NBA championship title, was named MVP (Most Valuable Player) and Finals MVP, earned 14 All-Star nominations, and became a worldwide icon. He is considered a legend of the sport. Nowitzki is married and has three children; the family lives in Dallas, Texas.