On Thursday, October 3rd, the 28th Lotteries Sporthilfe Gala took place in the Wiener Stadthalle. The best athletes in Austria were awarded the “NIKI”, named after the Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda, for their achievements. Among the nominees in many categories were military athletes who were able to impress with top performances last season. In total, the army athletes won six of the coveted awards.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “I am very pleased that so many of our army athletes were awarded this great trophy today. After their great performances and results, they more than deserve this honor at the Lotteries Sporthilfe Gala. Our athletes are role models because they show what is possible with discipline, endurance, hard work and team spirit. I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone honored here today and wish them all the best for the coming season.”
The “Niki” for female athlete of the year went to platoon leader Victoria Hudson. Hudson was able to prevail against Cornelia Hütter and platoon leader Jessica Pilz and received the coveted award from last year’s winner, platoon leader Eva Pinkelnig. The award for the best team of the year went to the Olympic sailing champions, platoon leaders Lara Vadlau and Lukas Mähr. “It is a great honor for us to accept this award. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us on our journey – from our coaches to our families to our fans,” said Vadlau and Mähr in an initial reaction. Army athlete Thomas Frühwirth was able to successfully defend his title as Disabled Athlete of the Year after winning two medals at the Paralympic Games. Disabled athlete of the year was also an army athlete. The Olympic bronze medalist in the javelin throw, Natalija Eder, won this category ahead of Veronika Eder and Melissa Köck. The “Athlete with Heart” award went to wheelchair tennis player Corporal Nico Langmann, who, with his Nico Langmann Foundation, gives children with limited mobility access to sports. In addition, the Niki in the “emotional sports moment” category went to the men’s 3×3 basketball team and the men’s wheelchair team, which shone in front of their home crowd in Vienna and secured the European championship title.
The Army Sports Center has been promoting Austrian competitive sports with its eleven Army competitive sports centers since 1962. Every year, up to 495 people, including 20 in sports for the disabled, are 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. The athletes of the Federal Army have already achieved numerous successes and medals for Austria in the past.
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