Leoben has emerged as a center of athletic excellence, with local athletes achieving significant milestones. ESV Leoben’s bowling team excelled in the men’s Bundesliga East, securing a 7:1 victory against KSK Klagenfurt. Meanwhile, the stocksport championship saw EV Gonidorf crowned champions. Young snooker player Mike Busse defended his title as Styrian state champion. In winter sports, children honed their skiing skills, and KSF Gym Leoben athletes excelled at the Antalya Muay Thai Cup, boosting Austria’s standing in the sport.
Recent Athletic Triumphs in Leoben District
Leoben has become a hub of sporting excellence, showcasing remarkable achievements from local athletes across various disciplines. This article provides a snapshot of their recent successes and will be updated regularly to keep you informed.
ESV Leoben’s Dominance in Bowling
The first spring round of the men’s Bundesliga East in sports bowling concluded with an outstanding performance from ESV Leoben. They kicked off the new year with an impressive 7:1 victory against the league leaders, KSK Klagenfurt Magdalensberg, right at home. Fabian Schmid stood out as the top bowler for Leoben, knocking down 613 pins. Following this triumphant weekend, ESV Leoben currently holds second place in the standings, just three points behind the leaders.
Looking ahead, the next round will occur on Saturday, January 18, at 5 PM in St. Pölten, while their next home game is scheduled for February 1 at 1 PM, where they will compete against 1. KSK Gem.Bed.Wiener Neustadt.
Exciting Events in Stocksport and Snooker
During the Epiphany weekend, the stocksport championship at EV St. Peter-Freienstein attracted 20 teams, each featuring eight shooters competing fiercely for the coveted trophy. The team from EV Gonidorf, led by captain Karl Kvarits, secured the title of market champion for 2025. The Ice Smurfs, captained by Chayenne Pölzl, took second place, while Gerald Heiland’s team, the Boys, finished third. The event emphasized fairness and was made possible thanks to the efforts of many dedicated volunteers.
In snooker, 14-year-old Mike Busse from Eisenerz made headlines by becoming the Styrian state champion for the second consecutive year. Starting his journey in billiards before transitioning to snooker, he has risen through the ranks, recently defending his title in Graz with a flawless performance, winning each of his matches 3:0. Busse’s dedication and skill have brought home the prestigious trophy, affirming his status as the reigning champion.
Winter Sports and Muay Thai Achievements
The Nature Friends ski course held in Gaal from January 2 to 5 saw nearly 50 children enhancing their skiing capabilities under expert guidance. The program culminated in a thrilling final race, showcasing the skills developed throughout the course, along with a delightful Krapfen day and a surprise meeting with ‘Mickey Mouse.’ For more details on upcoming courses, families can visit the Nature Friends website.
A remarkable performance was also noted at the Antalya Muay Thai Cup in December, where athletes from KSF Gym Leoben showcased their talent on an international stage. Rebecca Hödl achieved third place in her weight class, while Elisabeth Hauzinger secured silver after a commendable effort in the finals. Their achievements contributed to Austria finishing second overall, solidifying the team’s status as a formidable presence in the sport.
As the competitive season continues, ESV Leoben’s bowlers will regroup on January 11, 2025, to face KSK Klagenfurt – Magdalensberg once again, this time at home. Additionally, the Styrian Championship in sports climbing saw Mika Wurm from Trofaiach claim the title in the U14 category, demonstrating exceptional skill and endurance on challenging climbing walls.