Julia Kain­berger in action in Beijing

Image information: Julia Kainberger - Copyright: GEPA pictures/Andreas Pranter

From 4 to 20 February, the eyes of the sporting world will be on Beijing, where the 24th Olympic Winter Games will be held. Ten nations will compete for gold in the women's tournament and twelve in the men's tournament. The USA and Russia enter the tournament as defending champions. 

Austria's men last competed at the Olympic Games in 2014, while the women have never qualified so far, although they narrowly missed out last autumn after defeating tournament favourites Germany 3:0 and losing only 0:1 to eventual winners Denmark.

Beijing will therefore have to do without the home-grown players, but not without Austrian know-how. Julia Kainberger, who is under contract as a player with the DEC Salzburg Eagles, will be in action as a linesperson in Beijing. 

Women's Olympic ice hockey tournament: 3 - 17 February
Men's Olympic ice hockey tournament: 9 - 20 February