The festive clothing is intended to make a fashion statement in Paris, especially at the extraordinary opening on July 26th on the Seine. But they don’t rely on traditional costumes, assured ÖOC General Secretary Peter Mennel. The skirt and trousers made of goatskin, including a white linen blouse or shirt and a gray gilet are more of a reference to traditional Austrian clothing.
Track cyclist Tim Wafler celebrated his Lederhosen premiere at the presentation at the MuseumsQuartier-Libelle, as he admitted – and was enthusiastic. Rower Magdalena Lobnig not only has a bronze medal from Tokyo 2021, but also two collections of Olympic outfits at home. However, she admitted that she gave some of them away. This time she opted for a leather skirt instead of leather trousers and, as an ÖOC model, raved about the comfort.
APA/Georg Hochmuth The Austrian team clothing this year is red, white and gray.
Focus on sustainability
Not only wearing comfort, but also sustainability was important in the conception of the 41 pieces from the manufacturer Erima, assured their managing director Michael Klimitsch. Bernhard Adelsberger, who is responsible for the festive clothing, meanwhile delivered an announcement to the fashion capital: “Parisians can dress warmly.”
Austria’s active people can do the same, because the casual clothes in white, red, gray and black have something for every temperature, from T-shirts to hoodies – and shoes, sunglasses and personal hygiene products have not been forgotten either. Moderator Lukas Schweighofer called it an “all-round, worry-free package”.
ÖOC hopes for a powerful team
The Summer Olympics will begin in Paris in a few months. Now the last international and national competitions for athletes are taking place. ÖOC head of sport Christoph Sieber spoke about the Austrian team, the Austria House in Paris and further planning steps.
Hope for around 80 athletes
“Depending on the counting method, around 48 athletes” from Austria are currently qualified for Olympic competitions either directly or through quota places, said ÖOC sports director Christoph Sieber. “We expect it to be around 70 or even close to the 80 mark. We will know at the end of June.”
APA/Georg Hochmuth Schwimmer Andreas Onea presents the new collection
The Austrian Paralympic team, which was represented at the joint presentation on Tuesday with javelin thrower Natalija Eder, swimmer Andreas Onea and handbiker Thomas Frühwirth, is likely to be significantly smaller.
Frühwirth travels to Paris not only with new clothes, but also with special hopes: “Of course I want to fight for gold. But that’s not the reason I exercise. I do sport because it gives me joy and allows me to say yes to life.” After three silver medals at the Paralympics, it would be nice to be able to gild my own sports career this year.
