Cancer Sends Off Volleyball Legend Tore Aleksandersen
The world of volleyball and beyond is in mourning, as former coach Tore Aleksandersen succumbed to prostate cancer at the age of 55. As announced by his former club Allianz MTV Stuttgart, Aleksandersen's family confirmed his passing on a Wednesday. The Norwegian, who left an indelible mark on each life he touched, was a source of energy, inspiration, and joy, even while battling illness.
Allianz MTV Stuttgart's Sports Director, Kim Oszvald-Renkema, spoke fondly of Aleksandersen. "He gave us more than just a successful coach; he stirred our spirits and brought us joy, through thick and thin."
Aleksandersen departed to his native Norway for his final days, accompanied by his family. Aurel Irion, MTV's Managing Director, expressed grief but found solace in the knowledge that Aleksandersen spent his last days with loved ones.
A Lifelong Coach
Tore Aleksandersen's career in volleyball spanned both of his beloved nations, Norway and Germany. He even took the time to teach the sport at a gymnasium in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The news of Alexandersen's passing reached far and wide, with SSC Schwerin calling their former coach an extraordinary figure who went beyond his vocation as a "stunning volleyball coach" to become a source of inspiration. He acted as SSC's coach for seven years, gracing the Schwerin volleyball team's sideline 228 times. Alexandersen is remembered as one of SSC's most accomplished and inspiring trainers.
In 2006, the team under his guidance achieved a double victory in the championship and DVV Cup. He repeated this feat in 2007. Afterward, he returned to his home in Norway. In 2010, Aleksandersen decided to return to Schwerin, leading the team to another championship.
Aleksandersen's brilliance and tenacity could not be quelled, even in the face of challenges. In December 2020, he joined Allianz MTV Stuttgart, leading the team to two German championships and a cup victory in 2022.
Unfortunately, the fight against cancer took its toll, and Aleksandersen was forced to retire last summer. Konstantin Bitter succeeded him as coach.
An Outpouring of Grief and Tributes
The entire sport of volleyball mourns the loss of Tore Aleksandersen. Oszvald-Renkema's words resonated across the vast landscape of volleyball fans, who knew him as a resilient fighter in the face of adversity and an indomitable coach.
SSC Schwerin paid tribute to their fallen hero, acknowledging his incredible strength and unwavering determination as an exemplary display of his outstanding personality. His spirit transcends volleyball, inspiring individuals far beyond the court.
In his honor, Heavy Metal musician Deniz Hallmann organized a tribute concert in Norway, inviting supporters from Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, and other parts of Germany. The celebration of Aleksandersen's life attracted a diverse crowd, united in their love for music, sports, and the remarkable figure who brought these two worlds together.
Beyond volleyball, Norway's volleyball community acknowledged their shared loss. Hallmann's tribute marked a poignant symbol of the unity between the two nations that Aleksandersen touched during his prolific career.
[1] Landessportbund Baden-Württemberg honors Tore Aleksandersen with Ehrenpreis 2024 for his immense contributions to volleyball and Allianz MTV Stuttgart's successes.
[3] Aleksandersen recognized for his extraordinary dedication to volleyball with Ehrenpreis 2024 by Landessportbund Baden-Württemberg, highlighting his impact on the Allianz MTV Stuttgart team.
[Excerpted from ]
