The faces of the sport: five athletes who inspire

The faces of the sport: five athletes who inspire

As part of the election for the sportiest minds of the year in Graz and the surrounding area, there are five outstanding athletes to choose from. These nominees not only embody extraordinary sporting performances, but also bring exciting stories and remarkable success.

The young weight of Elias Simbürger, only 20 years old, managed to win a bronze medal in pumping at the juniors' European Championship last year. With an impressive weight of 185 kilograms, he is just standing at the beginning of his career. His path began in a surprising way through a Netflix film that led him to CrossFit and finally led to the Olympic weightlifting.

versatile talents

Another candidate is Gerhard Peinhaupt, who is not only known as a triple world champion in rowing, but also works as an organizer. He and his team brought the European Championship in canoe freestyle to Graz, which the city was at the center of water sports. Peinhaupt is also known for his technical skills, especially his self-designed water roller, the Muglwave, which is installed in the mill duct near the Puch Museum.

Romano Schmid, a native of Vasoldsberger, caused a sensation in the European Football Championship in Germany by scoring decisive goals. However, his most emotional experience in 2024 was the birth of his second child, which also brought him a very special place in the heart of many fans.

The older ones among the nominees are just as impressive. Julius Holzer, a remarkable 92-year-old, demonstrated his endurance by completing the half marathon in Graz in outstanding 3:29:07 hours. His courage and drive to run even at this age show that age does not set any limits.

LAST but not least, who, with her impressive achievements in Kart racing, especially at the Styrian championship, left young competition behind. The 18-year-old has discovered her passion for driving since she was ninth and still prevails against the male competition, which is often not willing to accept her superiority.

The choice of the sportiest minds of the year is not only an honor of top sporting performance, but also an award for the inspiring stories that each of these people has to tell. Further information can be found In a current report on www.kleinezeitung.at .