Olympic series part 4

Even “prey Tyroleans” rave about the mountains

Max Kühner(Bild: MARCOVILLANTI, Krone KREATIV)

Tyroleans - origin is known to be particularly important to the inhabitants of the land on the Inn. The Austrian Olympic team for Paris includes four athletes who cannot be clearly assigned to our province. A quartet that could pass for "Tyrolean loot".

Riding - Max Kühner: Born in Munich and a member of German Nations Cup teams around 30 times until 2015. But then Max got his Austrian passport and has been riding for the Kitzbühel Riding Club ever since. The 50-year-old secured his first Olympic ticket with bronze at the European Championships in Milan 2023. A dream that Kühner has cherished since his first riding lessons in Kitz.

Jessica Pilz(Bild: GEPA)

Climbing - Jessica Pilz: She comes from Haag in Lower Austria and graduated from high school in Amstetten. She also caught the climbing bug in her home town - but the now 27-year-old has been living in Innsbruck for years. Because the training opportunities in the Tyrolean capital are ideal and because she studies at the university. She won gold at the 2018 World Championships in Innsbruck and silver in Bern 2023 - now she's going for Olympic gold.

Tim Wafler(Bild: Drew Caplan)

Cycling - Tim Wafler: Tim made his first shout in this world on Tyrolean soil. In Kitzbühel. Soon after, his father Roland (and Tim) moved to Vienna. Close to the Dusika Stadium, where the junior was already doing laps on the wooden track at the age of seven. He has remained loyal to track racing, even winning European Championship gold this year. And is still a fan of Tirol.

Lena Kreundl(Bild: GEPA)

Swimming - Lena Kreundl: She came to Kirchbichl from Steyr when she was seven. And discovered swimming in Wörgl. In 2012, she transferred to the BORG in Linz, was Austria's youngest swimmer at the Rio Games (30th in the 200m medley) - and after winning short course bronze in 2023, she is now eagerly awaiting Paris.