The wife of football icon Oliver Bierhoff is a radiant former model. But Klara Bierhoff has also had to endure a lot of suffering in her life.
June 22, 2001 was a beautiful day in the life of Klara Szalantzy. The now 54-year-old said yes to her then fiancé in the chic marble hall of Salzburg’s Mirabel Castle. The man at the former model’s side was no stranger back then.
We’re talking about Oliver Bierhoff, the former captain of the German national soccer team. The two newlyweds had known each other for five years. Oliver Bierhoff and his Klara crowned their happiness in 2007 with the birth of their daughter.
A perfect picture emerged for the public. She, the Romanian-born former second division basketball player (Munich Baskets) with the enchanting smile and the model figure. And he, the successful national player and later DFB manager, who even after his resignation in 2018 seemed happier and more balanced than most of the high earners in the country who are not plagued by job problems.
However, the great happiness in the Bierhoff household also came to a head because in 2010 the small family, and Klara Bierhoff in particular, had to cope with what was probably the biggest loss you could imagine for a family.
Shortly before the start of the World Cup in South Africa, Klara Bierhoff lost her second baby in the eighth month of pregnancy. A few months earlier, Oliver Bierhoff announced that he and his wife were very happy about the birth of their second child and that they didn’t yet know whether it would be a boy or a girl. A short time later came the shock.
For Klara Bierhoff it was not the first time that she was confronted with the cruelty of death. It was June 7th, 1993, when Klara, whose last name was then Szalantzy, picked up her boyfriend from the airport in a wine-red Golf. At that time she was playing basketball in the 2nd Bundesliga with the Munich Baskets and her boyfriend was the Croatian Dražen Petrović, also a basketball player and the sports hope of an entire country.
Petrović was an exceptional talent. With his skills and his self-confident way of playing basketball, he not only won the hearts of his compatriots, but also those of NBA fans. The NBA title, the MVP award, even induction into the famous Hall Of Fame all seemed to be waiting for Klara Szalantzy’s boyfriend.
But then this one day came in the summer of 1993. Klara picked up her boyfriend with a friend. Dražen fell asleep at some point during the journey – without a seatbelt. A disaster occurred on the rain-soaked highway near Ingolstadt. The driver hit a truck that had an accident.
Klara Szalantny, who later never spoke publicly about the tragedy, and her friend Hilal Edebal, a Turkish basketball player, suffered serious injuries. Petrović, who was not wearing a seatbelt and was sleeping, could no longer be saved and died at the scene of the accident - at the age of 28.
31 years later, the scars are still visible and the memories of two loved ones who died far too early are probably still associated with a lot of sadness and suffering. It’s good to have someone by your side in these moments who can provide a lot of love and comfort. In Klara’s case, this rock in the surf is called Oliver.
Interview: Klara Bierhoff’s Journey Through Joy and Heartache
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Lisa Teichmann, a psychologist specializing in grief and resilience. Dr. Teichmann, thank you for joining us. We want to discuss the poignant story of Klara Bierhoff, a former model and the wife of football legend Oliver Bierhoff.
Dr. Teichmann: Thank you for having me. Klara’s story is truly touching and reflects the complexities of joy and grief that many individuals face in life.
Time.news Editor: Klara Szalantzy and Oliver Bierhoff shared what seemed to be an idyllic life. They celebrated their marriage in 2001 and welcomed their daughter in 2007. However, their journey took a heartbreaking turn in 2010 with the loss of their second child. Can you speak to how such profound loss can impact a family?
Dr. Teichmann: Absolutely. The loss of a child, especially so close to birth, is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can face. It brings about a unique form of grief that can affect each family member differently. In Klara’s case, despite the external image of happiness surrounding the Bierhoff family, the internal turmoil must have been immense.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful observation. Klara’s experience of grief isn’t isolated; many people have faced similar tragedies. What can you tell us about the process of navigating such a loss?
Dr. Teichmann: The journey through grief often involves multiple stages—shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately, acceptance. It’s important for families to remember that there is no “right” way to grieve. Each member might react differently based on their personality and experiences. Open communication and support are crucial during such challenging times.
Time.news Editor: Klara had previously faced the death of her boyfriend, the Croatian basketball star Dražen Petrović, in a tragic car accident. How might this history have shaped her response to later loss?
Dr. Teichmann: Experiencing loss at a young age can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s coping mechanisms. Klara’s early tragedy likely contributed to her understanding of the fragility of life. It might have given her a depth of emotion and resilience, but it would also bring forth fears and anxieties related to her family. The trauma of previous loss can resurface during subsequent bereavements, complicating the healing process.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting how past experiences can influence our present. With Klara now being a public figure as the wife of Oliver Bierhoff, how has societal perception of her grief potentially impacted her healing process?
Dr. Teichmann: Being in the public eye can amplify feelings of isolation. While the public may view them with admiration, friends and family may unintentionally distance themselves due to the couple’s fame. Klara may feel torn between societal expectations of strength and her own vulnerable reality. Private grief often contrasts sharply with public life, and that dichotomy can create significant emotional strain.
Time.news Editor: Given that Klara is not only a survivor of loss but also an inspiring figure in her own right, what advice would you offer to individuals looking to support someone going through a similar experience?
Dr. Teichmann: First and foremost, offer your presence; sometimes, just being there is what matters most. Encourage open dialogue about their feelings, and remember to listen more than you speak. Avoid platitudes; instead, normalize grief and its complexities. Lastly, remind them that it’s okay to seek professional help. Everyone’s journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Teichmann, thank you for your insights today. Klara Bierhoff’s journey reminds us that life is a tapestry woven with both joy and sorrow. Her strength is a testament to resilience, and your expertise sheds light on the healing process for many who face similar challenges.
Dr. Teichmann: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to share these stories as they help foster understanding and compassion in our communities.