"Not a cent from the state"

Gold bonus for Lara Vadlau? A tree and a toilet!

Lara Vadlau with sailing partner Luki Mähr and their gold medals

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

In the summer, sailing ace Lara Vadlau sensationally won Olympic gold in France - the "Krone" knows her bonuses. And her dad, Ernst Vadlau, is annoyed that the state is not giving her a cent, but a tree is being planted instead. State sports director Arno Arthofer votes in favor of changing the law. 

Ernst Vadlau is not one to keep his opinion to himself. On the contrary. The father of Olympic sailing champion Lara Vadlau likes to bang the table, polarize, criticize - and has become a decisive factor in his daughter's mega-success over the years.

Mom Eva and dad Ernst celebrate Lara Vadlau's Olympic victory.

(Bild: Pessentheiner/f. pessentheiner)

The gold shining around Lara's neck, yes - but not enough for Ernst Vadlau. Because the state didn't give Carinthia's first summer Olympic champion a cent. "The politicians let themselves be celebrated at the Day of Sport in Vienna - but there's no bonus from the Federal Ministry for great successes," says Ernst, annoyed by a certificate from Sports Minister Werner Kogler. "Lara of Austria receives a tree planted for gold. I have nothing against trees - but a little more recognition would be nice. ."

Ernst Vadlau posted on social media.

(Bild: zvg)

690,000 euros for gold
In comparison with some other countries, Vadlau is not so wrong: Hong Kong pays out €690,000 for Olympic gold, Taiwan €550,000, Italy €180,000, Spain €94,000 . . .

Eight gold ducats were missing from the ÖOC casket, as Papa Ernst Vadlau shows in this picture.

(Bild: zvg)

Eight coins were missing
After all, the ÖOC gave a whole 20,000 euros in the form of ducats. "In an old box in which eight coins were missing. Visually a bit embarrassing - but okay," says Vadlau.

Curious! Lara Vadlau receives a luxury toilet from Geberit for her gold medal.

(Bild: Shisanupong - stock.adobe.com)

Curious: Vadlau receives a luxury toilet worth €6000 from ÖOC sponsor Geberit. "That's cool again!" grins Vadlau. Lara's main sponsor Kelag also handed over a check for €21,000.

"The law should be changed"
The state of Carinthia provided €20,000 in extraordinary top-class sports funding - and state sports director Arno Arthofer shares Vadlau's opinion. "The law should be changed so that the state provides monetary support for Olympic successes," says Arthofer, but also emphasizes: "Austria supports our athletes extremely well in the run-up to the Games. Thanks to sports aid, the army, police and customs, we provide a top environment with social security!"

An environment that Lara Vadlau will probably continue to benefit from for some time to come - because dad Ernst reveals: "I think she'll be at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles."