Vorarlberg State Communications | Official Updates

Vorarlberg’s Young Guns Shine at European Youth Olympic Festival: A Silver Lining and a Glimpse of Future stars

bregenz, Austria – October 31, 2025 – The future of Austrian sports is looking bright, and a significant chunk of that brilliance hails from the picturesque state of Vorarlberg. Today, Sports State Councilor Martina Rüscher hosted the seven talented young athletes who proudly represented Vorarlberg and the Youth Olympic Team Austria at the recent European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Skopje. The reception, held at the state house in Bregenz, was a celebration of dedication, grit, and impressive performances that have the entire region buzzing.

“The whole of Vorarlberg was happy with you about the great achievements,” State Councilor Rüscher declared, her words echoing the pride felt across the state. “You’ve not only represented Vorarlberg but also the Youth Olympic Team Austria with distinction.”

From July 20th to 26th, 2025, a total of 57 of Austria’s brightest young athletes, aged 13 to 18, showcased their skills on the European stage. Among them, Vorarlberg’s contingent – Matilda Simma (badminton), Zsombor Klucsik (athletics), Johanna Piringer and Raphael Künz (cycling), and artistic gymnasts Leonie Gschliesser, Luca Hagen, and Samuel Wachter – proved that talent knows no borders.

A Historic Silver: Wachter’s Vaulting Triumph

The standout performance,undoubtedly,came from artistic gymnast Samuel Wachter. His silver medal in the vaulting competition wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked a historic moment for Vorarlberg, securing the state its second-ever summer medal in EYOF history. This achievement is akin to a young American gymnast landing a groundbreaking routine at the U.S. Championships, instantly putting them on the national radar.

“Our young athletes have shown impressive achievements with great commitment, fairness and team spirit,” emphasized State Councilor Rüscher during the reception. “They are role models for many and show how much potential there is in Vorarlberg’s youth sports.” She added, “With their commitment and passion, they make a significant contribution to the positive image of our sports state. On behalf of the state of Vorarlberg, I warmly congratulate them on their great successes.”

Vorarlberg’s EYOF Standouts: A Closer Look

Here’s a breakdown of the impressive performances by Vorarlberg’s athletes:

* Matilda Simma (Badminton): A strong showing with a 4th place finish in the preliminary group and reaching round 2 in mixed doubles.
* Zsombor Klucsik (Athletics): clocked an impressive 8th place in the highly competitive 400m hurdles.
* Johanna Piringer (Cycling – Road): Showcased endurance and skill, finishing 12th in the individual time trial and 34th in the road race.
* Raphael Künz (Cycling – Road): Also demonstrated solid performance with a 15th place in the individual time trial and 67th in the road race.
* Leonie Gschliesser (Artistic Gymnastics): Placed 35th in the all-around and earned a commendable 7th place in the vault final.
* Luca Hagen (Artistic Gymnastics): Finished 35th in the all-around competition,demonstrating dedication.
* Samuel Wachter (Artistic Gymnastics): Beyond his historic silver in the vault, Wachter also secured 11th place in the all-around and 9th on the floor exercise.

The Bedrock of Success: Vorarlberg’s Youth Progress

The success witnessed at the EYOF is a testament to the robust youth development programs in Vorarlberg’s clubs and the Vorarlberg Olympic Center.This isn’t just about identifying raw talent; it’s about nurturing it with a comprehensive approach.

State Councilor Rüscher highlighted the core principles that drive this success, aligning them with Vorarlberg’s sports strategy: “Enthusiasm, will, flair, courage and personal responsibility – along with talent and the necessary bit of luck at the right moment, these are the decisive traits through which the path to the top in the world can be successful in the first place.” These are the same qualities that define champions across all sports, from the basketball courts of the NBA to the soccer fields of the Premier League.

Looking ahead: A Promising Horizon

The performances at the EYOF offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Austrian sports. The dedication and achievements of these young Vorarlberg athletes are not only inspiring but also signal a