Just over a month ago, Valentin Bontus was only known to sports insiders, but with his Olympic victory in kitefoil and his humorous TV interviews, he has become the nation’s darling. Now the 23-year-old is coming to Upper Austria:
Bontus will lead the starting field at the Upper Austria Kitefoil Grand Prix, which will take place on Lake Traunsee from September 4th to 9th. For the man from the Podersdorf Yacht Club, it will be the first race since his gold coup in Marseille.
“After the Olympic victory and the celebrations, I had the opportunity over the last few days to sort out and process all the emotions and impressions,” said Bontus, who had left immediately after returning home. He and his girlfriend had taken a break on the Lofoten Islands to recharge their batteries.
Valentin Bontus: “This is where my journey began”
As cool as Bontus appeared on the outside, the impressions of the past few weeks have not left him unscathed: “It’s crazy to see how many people are celebrating with me and crossing their fingers. I didn’t really realize how big a deal it was.”
Despite all the hustle and bustle surrounding him, Bontus has kept his down-to-earth attitude. “I am so incredibly grateful to be able to practice this sport, to experience these moments and to have so many great people by my side.” He is therefore looking forward to returning to his everyday life at Traunsee, which is part of the Kitefoil World Series for the fourth time.
“The scenery is impressive, the organization is top-notch.” For Bontus, the start in the Salzkammergut is a fixed point in the calendar; for him, it is already his fourth. “My journey began here and I am now continuing it. Regardless of whether you call it the first start after the Olympic victory or the kick-off for Los Angeles 2028 – I am looking forward to racing again,” said the seventh-place finisher in last year’s race on Lake Traunsee.
Alina Kornelli also represented Austria in the Olympic premiere discipline, finishing eleventh ahead of Marseille. The 24-year-old returns to Lake Traunsee with fond memories, having finished fourth here last year.
For the athlete from SC Kammersee, the Grand Prix is a home game. If time permits, the Bavarian-born athlete will make a detour to visit her grandmother, who lives in St. Georgen an der Gusen, around the time of the event. Like Bontus, Kornelli is hoping for good wind in the Salzkammergut. “If there is wind on Lake Traunsee, it is a dream,” said Bontus.
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