The state championships in long-distance swimming took place in Wolfsberg at the weekend. A total of around 300 athletes were at the start. Some professionals also used the competitions as final preparation for the upcoming European Championships.
From Thursday the European Championship will take place in Rome. Carinthian Heiko Gigler from the FK Spittal swimming club will also be there. At the state championships he got the finishing touches: “It’s just a form check and that’s why we take every competition with us,” said Gigler.
Austrian state championship in long-distance swimming
The Austrian state championships in long-distance swimming took place in Wolfsberg in Carinthia. For four whole days, the athletes fought for the state championship title.
Gigler starts at the European Championships over four distances, but before that he secured several state championship titles in Wolfsberg. But the medals are not that important. Gigler said he feels comfortable in Wolfsbereg and knows the pool inside out.
Weather difficult competitions
The state championships in Wolfsberg were exhausting for the organiser, too. Storm and thunderstorm caused some changes in the program. The Friday competitions had to be postponed to Saturday, according to Michael Moser from the Wolfsberg swimming club. Nevertheless, a good process might be guaranteed. Light rain on Saturday did not bother the swimmers.
A total of around 300 athletes were registered in Wolfsberg. In addition to Heiko Gigler, a number of other EM participants were also at the start. “It’s always nice to have many of our best athletes at the start at the state championships,” said OSV sports director Walter Bär. Bär was also happy to return to Wolfsberg following more than a decade.
2,500 additional overnight stays
The athletes, their supervisors and families and the numerous officials ensured a total of 2,500 additional overnight stays in and around Wolfsberg. There hasn’t been a comparable swimming competition in Carinthia for over 30 years.
