On Sunday, Stefanie Krenmayer returned from the European Transplant Championship in Lisbon. The trip to the Portuguese capital paid off for the 29-year-old, who has suffered from the incurable metabolic disease cystic fibrosis since birth and had a donor lung transplanted at the age of 21: The special needs teacher from Eberstalzell expanded her medal collection at this major event with around 600 participants to include European Championship gold in table tennis singles and bronze in the mixed competition with her partner Siegfried Meschnig from Utzenaich (Ried district).
Keeping your nerve at 40 degrees
“The final against my opponent from Hungary was close, but ultimately my nerves played along better than hers,” said Krenmayer in an interview with OÖNachrichten. The likeable teacher not only fought for every point, but also in 40-degree heat. It was only a few degrees cooler in the hall.
“On Thursday after the successful mixed competition, I gave up and was out for the whole evening due to sodium deficiency,” says Krenmayer, who was accompanied for the first time by her boyfriend Markus, who gave her mental support and encouragement.
The Eberstalzell native has been “set” for European and World Championship medals for several years. Last year she won World Championship table tennis gold and gold in bowling in Perth (Australia). Next year the journey to the World Championship will be much shorter, as the German city of Dresden will host the event in August 2025. Until then, the table tennis ace will continue to train hard, also with doubles partner Siegfried Meschnig. At the World Championship, Krenmayer will then compete for the first time in the 30 to 39 age group.
The Upper Austrians were particularly successful at the European Championships in Lisbon. Meschnig, who has had a heart and lung transplant, also became European champion in the high jump and won bronze in badminton doubles. Boris Hofer from Marchtrenk (liver transplant) competed in a European Championship for the first time and won the bronze medal in table tennis. Renata Hönisch, who has had a bone marrow transplant from Traun, celebrated great successes in several athletics disciplines. A total of 13 athletes from Austria competed in Portugal.
Krenmayer describes the special atmosphere at the competitions. “Everyone is happy that they can take part again; in addition to the sporting aspect, the joy of life and friendship predominate.” At the opening and closing ceremonies, the donors who have given other people a second life are remembered. “Everyone has their own story that they share. Everyone gets along because we are all in the same boat,” says Krenmayer, who is also involved in the ATSF (Austrian Transplant Sports Federation) association.
On 7 and 8 September, ATSF is organising its first sports day for transplant recipients in Ried im Innkreis. More information at www.atsf.at
Author
Michaela Krenn-Aichinger
Local editor Wels
Michaela Krenn-Aichinger
