There has never been such a close final in the election of the Austrian athletes of the year: David Alaba was awarded the coveted title for the third time on Wednesday at the Lotteries Sports Aid Gala in the Wiener Stadthalle. Just behind them, two “snow kings” – ski aces Matthias Mayer and Johannes Strolz – took pride of place.
Among the women, snowboard queen Anna Gasser was the favorite. The Carinthian won ahead of ski jumper Sara Marita Kramer and Upper Austria’s European Table Tennis Champion Sofia Polcanova.
It was also tight in the team category, in which series soccer champion Red Bull Salzburg was able to prevail over the kickers of the women’s national team. More than a consolation prize: ÖFB team boss Irene Fuhrmann was named trainer personality of the year. Like Alaba, the Salzburg footballers were unable to attend the gala due to their commitment in the Champions League.
Another award winner was also played via video wall at the atmospheric end of the day in front of 1200 invited guests. Arnold Schwarzenegger received the Niki for his life’s work from Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.
That’s how it was chosen
- Sportswoman of the Year:
1. Anna Gasser (snowboard) 1084 points,
2. Sara Marita Kramer (ski jumping) 470,
3. Sofia Polcanova (table tennis) 401,
4. Teresa Stadlober (cross country) 306,
5. Katharina Liensberger (alpine skiing) 303
- Sportsman of the year:
1. David Alaba (football) 607 points,
2. Matthias Mayer (alpine skiing) 605,
3. Johannes Strolz (alpine skiing) 595,
4. Benjamin Karl (snowboard) 330,
5. Felix Aubock (swimming) 265
- Team of the Year:
1. Red Bull Salzburg (soccer) 691,
2. ÖFB women’s national team (soccer) 562,
3. ÖSV ski jumper 534,
4. Red Bull Racing (Formula 1) 344,
5. Anna-Maria and Eirini Alexandri (synchronized swimming) 314
- Climber of the Year: Johannes Strolz (alpine skiing)
- Coach of the Year: Irene Fuhrmann (ÖFB women)
- Disabled Athlete of the Year: Johannes Aigner (alpine skiing)
- Disabled Athlete of the Year: Veronika Aigner (alpine skiing)
- Special Olympics Athlete of the Year: Jürgen Rojko (tennis), Cecily Hoyos (equestrian)
- Special Awards: Arnold Schwarzenegger
The OÖN athletes choice
You can vote for the Upper Austrian athletes of the year online until October 21st at nachrichten.at/sportlerwahl be matched. The ten finalists are determined in the public vote, after which a jury of experts has the last word.
Source: Nachrichten
