Traditionally, the Carinthian sports family meets shortly before Christmas to choose the athlete of the year. But not only! In addition, the Rising Stars of the Year, the Athletes of the Year with Disabilities, the Special Olympics and the Team of the Year were honored at the Casineum Velden.
Lobnig and Tschofenig
The two athletes of the year are repeat offenders. Daniel Tschofenig defended his title from last year. The Hohenthurner greeted via video message because he is currently training in Innsbruck. His parents took the prize Gerhard and Monika those who are looking forward to Christmas with Daniel: “Then there will be good cookies and a little something to drink.” Magdalena Lobnig has already won four times: in 2016, 2021 and this year in the “individual” as well as in 2024 together with sister Kathi as “Team of the Year”.
Lots of celebrities
Among those who celebrated were the state governor Peter Kaiserstate sports director Arno Arthofer, Manfred Wilhelmer, Gert Spanz and Christopher Weiss (Raiffeisen), Peter Pegrin (Arbo), Wolfgang Gratzer (General), Werner Pietsch, Reinhard Draxler and Bianca Quendler-Blankenhagen (Kelag), Little editor-in-chief Wolfgang Wednesday, Harry Nessl, Thomas Partl, Marion Roseneder (Casino), Robert Rassinger (Uni), the Alpine Olympic champions Fritz Strobl and Matthias Mayer as well as the gold-plated ski jumpers Karl Schnabl and Martin Kochwho is now indulging his passion for ice hockey in his eleven-year retirement. “Now I can help the VSV oldies,” laughed Koch.
Other prominent guests were among others Stephanie Graf, Sigi Grabner, Heinz Kuttin, Christian Mayer, Daniel Mesotitsch, Martin Micheu, Robert Micheuthe state presidents Dieter Mörtl (Ski), Norbert Unterköfler (wheel) and Albert Gitschthaler (athletics) and ÖEHV President Klaus Hartmann (Eishockey).
The two snowboard aces Sabine and Alexander Payer have found their way back to Velden after a few years of abstinence. “Close, but it worked out this time,” said Alex, who had just been in action at the World Cup in Davos. “I’m happy to meet colleagues from other sports again.” The two-time World Cup winner’s relaxed attitude is also reflected in his evening wear. The 36-year-old attended the gala wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt that featured snowboarders instead of palm trees. Catherine TroupeWorld Cup bronze medalist from Saalbach, beamed with his sister Anna for the bet. Among the absentees were the local billiards aces Jasmin Ouschan and Sandra Baumgartnerwho treated themselves to a few crocodile impressions in America after the World Cup.
The kickers also celebrated
Presidents were on site for the WAC Dietmar Riegler (with crutches due to hip surgery), wife WaltraudVisa Christian Puff, Horst Nössler and players Rene Renner.
The two Carinthian U17 football heroes Jakob Pokorny and Johannes Moser took part in their first Carinthian sports gala a good figure. They also accepted the award for Rising Star of the Year together. The FC Liefering players are using their two free Christmas weeks to spend time with their family back home. They also received a standing ovation, as did Joe “Tiger” Pachler for his life’s work.
