With a slight delay due to flooding, the Lower Austrian Olympic medal winners were honored for their achievements by the Sportland Lower Austria. State Governor Johann Mikl-Leitner and State Sports Councilor Udo Landbauer were there – but bronze climber Jessica Pilz was not.
“Oh, Champs-Élysées,” echoed atmospherically through the hall in the St. Pölten government district at the start of the honoring of the Lower Austrian medal winners. Strictly speaking, only judoka Michaela Polleres and climber Jessica Pilz won the respective bronze in the home of the boulevard Paris, while Valentin Bontus won the gold in Marseille. But, understandably, no one noticed this. In contrast to the absence of Jessica Pilz, who also understandably apologized. During the celebrations, she was still on the plane home from South Korea, where she won the overall World Cup lead climb. But in this case, she couldn’t be blamed for a lack of planning. After all, the celebrations had already been planned for September, but were postponed due to the flood situation. “I’m glad we made it,” said State Sports Councilor Udo Landbauer, welcoming the two Olympic heroes present, as well as their friends and families. “What we are honoring Valentin, Michaela and Jessica for is absolutely nothing everyday. We’re talking about model athletes and historic achievements here!” And in two respects. With three out of five Austrian medals, it is the best blue-yellow Summer Games record since 2004 in Athens, and Bontus’ kitesurfing gold is the first in Olympic history. “It’s one thing to compete, it’s another to write a success story,” said State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who was at least as enthusiastic as her deputy. And with humor on top of that. “From what I heard, in addition to kitesurfing, Valentine was also really into partying,” she joked. However, she found very touching words for the two women. “As a woman, I am of course particularly pleased about these achievements. Above all, as a role model for our young girls in the country, you are real role models!” Between “look at me” and soon to be seen locally. The thank you from Michaela Polleres, who after the Tokyo silver is now the second Olympic medal at home, continued in a similarly emotional way has. “The most important thing on my journey were my parents, who accompanied me from the beginning. To every training session and to every junior tournament, no matter how small – and that’s been the case since elementary school!” Although she will probably travel without a taxi service from her parents these days, the training will continue soon anyway. “A week and a half ago I was on vacation in Scotland, now I’ll be going back soon. But the tournaments won’t be back until next year!” And what about Los Angeles 2028? “Look,” she smiled, “it’s still a long time until then and I’m not getting any younger!” Austria’s athlete of the year Valentin Bontus appeared much more confident: “We’ll be there for the first time in 2025 and that Get to know the area. Factors such as wind, water and temperature are simply immensely important for preparation in this sport!” As is the right material. He also had that with him. Namely the original “gold suit” from Marseille. “Tailor-made by the ÖSV, a huge honor for me. I can’t say much about the price, that’s a secret of the ski association!” However, the prices for the exceptional athletes remained no secret. In addition to souvenir plates, a gift basket and flowers, the winner from Sportland Lower Austria received 10,000 euros and the two third-place winners received 5,000 each. At the end, the national anthem was played, which finally cemented the bridge from the Lower Austrian to the French capital.
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