U16 Men: Reunion at the YOG recep­tion at Ball­haus­platz

“It is wonderful that we have the opportunity today to bring this fourth edition of the YOG to a fitting conclusion together,” welcomed Austrian Olympic Committee President Karl Stoss the athletes outside the Federal Chancellery. The Vorarlberg native came directly from the board meeting and brought the Austrian Olympic Committee board with him, which has also included ÖEHV Vice-President Yasmin Stepina since last autumn.

ÖEHV sent the U16 men's national team, which reached the semi-finals of the 3x3 tournament and ultimately finished in 4th place. Yasmin Stepina: "Our young prospects made their mark in this new format. A medal was not far away, and the disappointment within the team was naturally great, but pride in what was achieved prevails. The young athletes have gained experiences for life and for their future careers, and that is invaluable for everyone.

The fact that Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer sent his apologies at short notice did not detract from the celebratory atmosphere in the conference hall. “You trained for the Winter Youth Olympic Games for a long time and eagerly awaited your first major event. We are all the happier that you returned home so successfully. You are a great team and role models for young people, but also for politicians, who should place much greater faith in you,” explained Stoss in his address to the team.

A perfect pass that Youth Secretary of State Claudia Plakolm was happy to take up. “Austria is extremely proud! You are already elite athletes today; you demonstrated that impressively in Gangwon. The excellent results are the reward and recognition for years of training and the passion you feel and live for sport. And if things do not go to plan at times, remember that neither Hermann Maier nor Marcel Hirscher had everything handed to them.”

Austrian Olympic Committee Secretary General Peter Mennel once again highlighted, following the honours – the 18 medallists from six sports received gold coins as keepsakes, while all Austrian YOG participants received certificates of appreciation – the importance of a good environment as the foundation for success now and in the future. “These achievements are only possible when parents, siblings, coaches, support staff and the federations help them get the most out of themselves. That is also why we have high hopes of seeing some of you again at Milano Cortina 2026 and perhaps on the Olympic podium in future. We will support you as best we can along the way!”

With 16 medals – five gold, six silver and five bronze – the Youth Olympic Team Austria matched its previous YOG record from Lausanne 2020. There were also 19 diploma finishes. Austria finished seventh in the medal table, ahead of winter sports nations such as Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The next Winter Youth Olympic Games will take place in 2029, with the host venue yet to be decided.