On August 10, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner received the successful athletes of the Austrian Armed Forces at the ministry. Of the seven medals won by Austria, six were won by the army athletes. On this occasion, they presented the medals they had won in the disciplines of rowing, discus, judo, karate and climbing. The soldiers train at five different army performance sports centers throughout Austria.
Armed forces sport as a concept for success
“I am particularly proud of the achievements of our athletes in Tokyo. After all, 70 percent of the Austrian Olympic team were soldiers from the Austrian Armed Forces. And, as we have seen, they were very successful. They have made us really proud. These Olympic Games are once again proof that military sport works. Now we are already looking forward to the Paralympics on August 24. Here, too, the chances of winning medals are very good. The Austrian Armed Forces also make up the majority of the squad here. Of the 24 athletes, 15 are members of the Armed Forces Sports Center, i.e. more than half of all participants,” Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner expressed her delight.
On course for medals since 1962
The Austrian Armed Forces have been promoting Austrian competitive sport since 1962 with their ten Army Sports Centers. More than 450 people are currently part of the army sports support program. Army sports traditionally provide numerous participants in major sporting events such as the Olympic Games, European and World Championships.
