Carinthia recently celebrated its 60th Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards during a gala at the Villach Congress Center. Ski jumper Daniel Tschofenig and Olympic sailor Lara Vadlau were honored with the top titles. The event also recognized the Lobnig sisters as Team of the Year in rowing, while football legend Friedl Koncilia received a lifetime achievement award. Additional accolades were given to rising athletes and those in disabled sports, highlighting the region’s rich athletic achievements.
Celebrating the 60th Year of Carinthia’s Sports Excellence
The prestigious 60th edition of the Carinthian Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards has recently concluded, marking a significant milestone in the region’s sports history. On Saturday, December 21, during the spectacular Gala Night of Sports, the Sports Press Club Carinthia revealed the winners of this esteemed accolade. In the spotlight were ski jumper Daniel Tschofenig and sailor Lara Vadlau, who claimed the coveted titles.
A Night of Triumph and Recognition
This year’s event took place at the Villach Congress Center, where the achievements of Carinthia’s athletic elite were celebrated in style. The gala was graced by numerous sports legends and dignitaries, including the state’s Governor Peter Kaiser, who came together to honor the remarkable athletes of the past year.
Lara Vadlau, the Olympic champion in sailing, was crowned the Carinthian Sportswoman of the Year for 2024. Representing the Yacht Club Velden, Vadlau secured gold in the 470 class in Paris alongside her teammate Lukas Mähr. This latest accolade adds to her growing collection, which includes the title of Team of the Year at the Sports Gala in Vienna and the award for “Best Mixed Team in Individual Sports of Paris 2024” at the ANOC Awards in Cascais, Portugal. The joy surrounding her achievement resonated deeply within her home region of Carinthia.
Meanwhile, the title of Carinthia’s Sportsman of the Year 2024 was awarded to the rising star of ski jumping, Daniel Tschofenig. Currently ranked second in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup standings for the 2024/25 season, Tschofenig is making waves in the sport. This 22-year-old athlete from Villach made history by becoming the first ski jumper to receive this honor since Thomas Morgenstern in 2013. His recent victory in Wisla, Poland, marked his first individual World Cup win. Though competing in Engelberg, Tschofenig expressed his gratitude for the award through a video message.
The gala not only recognized individual talents but also celebrated teamwork, with the duo of Magdalena Lobnig and Katharina Lobnig receiving the Team of the Year award for their outstanding achievements in rowing, including a first-place finish at the World Championship in coastal rowing off Genoa. The iconic trophy, known affectionately as the ‘Franz’ since its renaming in 2023, was awarded to ten remarkable recipients this year.
In addition to the main awards, football legend Friedl Koncilia received an honorary award for his lifelong contributions to athletics, having served as a national team goalkeeper from 1970 to 1985. His illustrious career began at SK Austria Klagenfurt and concluded at FK Austria Wien, and he remains a respected figure in the world of sports.
For those interested in the complete list of award winners, here are the highlights:
- Sportswoman of the Year: Lara Vadlau
- Sportsman of the Year: Daniel Tschofenig
- Team of the Year: Magdalena Lobnig and Katharina Lobnig (Rowing)
- Rising Female Athlete of the Year: Katharina Hafner (Water Skiing)
- Rising Male Athlete of the Year: Heimo Fugger (Cycling)
- Disabled Sportswoman of the Year: Melissa Köck (Deaf Alpine Skiing)
- Disabled Sportsman of the Year: Thomas Grochar (Alpine Skiing)
- Special Olympics Sportswoman of the Year: Elena Winkler (Alpine Skiing)
- Special Olympics Sportsman of the Year: Thomas Rametshofer (Stock Sport)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Friedl Koncilia
Stay tuned for numerous captivating photos from the Gala Night of Sports, which will be available soon.