The Austrian army athletes have achieved a sensational medal tally at the FIL Luge World Championships 2024 in Altenberg, Germany. In total, the competitive athletes of the Austrian Armed Forces seven of the nine Austrian medals, including two gold, three silver and two bronze. Just a few weeks ago, the army athletes impressed at the European Luge Championships in Innsbruck.
In the men’s doubles, the team of Corporal Juri Gatt/Corporal Riccardo Schöpf were crowned world champions and won the bronze medal in the sprint competition. “It feels like a dream, unbelievable, I think it will take us a while to get our heads around it,” said Corporal Juri Gatt.
The newly formed duo with platoon leader Thomas Steu and platoon leader Wolfgang Kindl are rewarded with two runner-up world championship titles. In the individual competitions, platoon leader Nico Gleirscher secured the silver medal and World Cup dominator Corporal Madeleine Egle took bronze.
Private Selina Egle and Private Lara Michaela Kipp cause a huge cheer with the gold medal in the women’s event. “Becoming world champions on a German track is something we really didn’t think we’d do. The nervous tension was there, of course, but the fact that it turned out like this is simply amazing,” said a delighted Selina Egle.
Defense Minister Tanner was impressed by the successes: “I would like to congratulate you on your great performances at the Luge World Championships in Altenberg. With your commitment, your skills and your team spirit, you have represented Austria with dignity and made us all proud. You are not only a role model for the sport, but for the entire Austrian Armed Forces.”
The Army Sports Center has been promoting Austrian competitive sport with its ten Army Sports Centers since 1962. Every year, up to 495 people, 20 of whom are disabled athletes, are part of the Army Sports Promotion Program. The Army Sports Center traditionally provides numerous participants in major sporting events such as the Olympic Games, European and World Championships. They were once again able to achieve numerous successes and medals for Austria.
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