JenJam
There has already been plenty of drama and shock at the 2021 Egyptian Men's World Handball Championships, with last-minute withdrawals, Covid quarantines and surprise results.
But one man has really caught the eye in Cairo, and that's DR Congo pivot Gauthier Mvumbi.
26-year-old big man Mvumbi stole the show against Argentina in his country's first-ever game at a handball world championship, standing 1,92ft 6in (2m) tall and weighing over 110 kilograms, the Argentines just didn't know how to handle it with his physical presence.
Mvumbi played 11 minutes and 17 seconds against Albiceleste and scored four goals from four shots from six yards.
Then, when DR Congo faced reigning world and Olympic champions Denmark, Mvumbi again made his mark, scoring four more goals and keeping his record 100% until he finally missed a shot in second period.
Now star Mvumbi and the African debutants are waiting on Tuesday when they face Bahrain for a chance to progress to the next stage of the tournament.
In the IHF's most inclusive men's tournament, Mvumbi just might be the tournament's unlikely hero, helping to promote the sport around the world.
Read on to learn more about this viral star's handball story.
But there was no doubt about the star's identity, Mvumbi's performance went viral and even reached Shaquille O'Neal in the US, with Shaq posting a video on his Instagram story:
"They say you're the Shaq of team handball, what's going on," the NBA Hall of Famer said.
El Gigante Gauthier Mvumbi – the @SHAQ of handball 🤩https://t.co/aVIh3C1PON#handball # Egypt2021 pic.twitter.com/5UxkN4QPZd
- Rasmus Boysen (@ RasmusBoysen92) January 17, 2021
Mvumbi couldn't believe it, responding on Instagram:
“A dream come true that I don't believe in... my idol @shaq ???????????????? my star ???? ???????????????? and i say thank you for your message and your support.. i don't quite understand what is going on but what i have to say to you: live your dream and fight for what you are. “
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