Flo Brungraber is an enthusiastic athlete and triathlete. The silver medallist at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2021 has already competed very successfully twice at the starlim City Triathlon Austria Wels. Reason enough to introduce the exceptional triathlete from Upper Austria and ask him for an interview.
WHAT DO YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE ABOUT THE WELS TRIATHLON?
The Wels Triathlon is also relatively accessible for me in a wheelchair. In addition, it offers fast courses, both in the Swim with current in the Traun as well as a city criterium-like bike course and a flat run course.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST TRIATHLON AND WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE OF IT?
It was the FH OÖ Linz-Triathlon / sprint in 2014. When I crossed the finish line it was clear that this was exactly what I wanted to do. Even then, some friends had come especially to cheer me on. Of course, the first triathlon will be remembered forever.
HAS TRIATHLON ALWAYS BEEN YOUR PASSION, OR HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA TO DO THIS SPORT AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT?
I went from aqua jogging to swimming through therapy. At the end of 2013, I bought a handbike because it's a very low-maintenance sport, and after taking part in the Oberbank Linz Marathon, I dared to compete in a triathlon without having any experience on a racing wheelchair.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY LIFE - HOW DO YOU ORGANISE YOUR TRAINING, WORK AND PRIVATE LIFE?
From Monday to Thursday I work at Andritz. On these days I train in the afternoon or evening. Friday to Sunday are the days with several or longer sessions. Of course there is also a private life! That takes place before, in between and after (laughs). I like to spend it with my girlfriend, family and friends.
HOW BIG IS YOUR TEAM OF COACHES AND WHO ARE YOUR TRAINERS?
My coaching team has grown a lot, especially in the last two years. My coach has recently been Lukas Abpfolter. As for my handlers, who help me during the race, I now have the choice between my father Gottfried and my girlfriend Sabine. Medially and beyond that, I work together with Christian Troll. Physio is Anja Oyrer and strength coach Vinzenz Helmreich. I would also like to mention our regional association here in Oberösterreich and the ÖTRV möchte ich hier nicht unerwähnt lassen.
YOUR BIGGEST SPORTING SUCCESS SO FAR WAS THE SILVER MEDAL IN TOKYO - HOW DID YOU GENERALLY EXPERIENCE THE GAMES, HOW WAS THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE TEAM AND WERE YOU ABLE TO CHEER ON OTHER ATHLETES?
The Games were absolutely the biggest sporting highlight to date. The dimensions and scope of this event are breathtaking and of course the city itself. The atmosphere in the team was good, with Günther Matzinger and his coach Franz Lugstein I was with friends. Unfortunately, visiting other sports venues was not possible for us due to Corona. But in the village we watched some of the other competitions together and celebrated our achievements later.
DO YOU HAVE A MOTTO OR WHAT CAN YOU PASS ON TO OTHER TRIATHLETES?
My motto is: "keep going"! I can only pass on to other triathletes that it has to be fun!
WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER?
In the long term, the focus is already on Paris 2024. That is the goal! In terms of performance, I would like to develop further and optimise one or two things on the material side.
WHEN CAN WE SEE YOU ON THE START LINE AGAIN IN WELS?
I hope soon. Unfortunately it doesn't look so good for this year because there is a World Cup race in France on the same weekend. If there is a change in this date, I will of course be at the start in Wels.
PROFILE FLO BRUNGRABER:
Born on: 29.09.1984
Place of residence: Lasberg
Occupation: Project manager for hydroelectric power plants
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 66 Kg
Clubs: Tripower Wimberger Freistadt / Upper Austria
RSC Heindl / Upper Austria
Wings for Life Ambassador
Web: www.flobrungraber.at
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