Perterer & Vilic

Triathlon duo drop out of the army

(Bild: World Triahtlon)

Austria's top triathletes Lisa Perterer and Sara Vilic are dropping out of the HLSZ squad. But the duo are not thinking of quitting!

Number one in Austria, 33rd in the world, two-time Olympian (qualified three times), eight times on the World Cup podium - that's Lisa Perterer (29). Austria's only active athlete to stand on a World Cup podium, Olympic starter, twice in the World Cup top 3 - that's Sara Vilic (29).

Contracts will not be extended
And despite their successes, neither of them has a future as an army athlete. Perterer and Vilic have been with the HLSZ for ten years as of the end of October - and now their contracts will not be renewed.

"They want to focus more on youth. I don't understand it, but I have to accept it," sighs Vilic, whose big goal remains the 2024 Olympics. "I actually want to win a medal there. But financially and organizationally, it's going to be tough now. The most important pillar is gone!"

Proof of training required
After leaving, the army will still pay 80 percent of her salary for a while. Under one condition: You have to start a training course and provide constant proof. "No sport is as training-intensive as triathlon, I'm always on the move. How is that supposed to work?" asks Vilic. Perterer is still hoping for a clarifying conversation.

Paradox: Luis Knabl (29), who has never been in the World Cup top 5, has had his contract extended after ten years - by three years! And Fabio Özelt also benefits from the HLSZ - as, no joke, a FIFA computer player!