South Tyrolean toboggan pioneer turns 80: “Always wanted to be the best”

"How everything began? I took part in a Gaudi race. In 1966 the first Italian championship on artificial track took place in Tiers. I didn't have a carer and just drove down, not even realizing the danger. Back then I watched the opponents and tried to imitate them. After 4 runs we were in 14th place,” says Atzwanger.

He comes from a family with a total of 12 children. The mother died early. Leo didn't have an easy childhood. He trained as a chef and attended hotel management school. He then worked as an itinerant trader for many years and was well known. “I set up the fruit center and still help out a little today,” says Atzwanger. His great passion was tobogganing. Especially when an artificial railway was built in Olang in 1967. “I always wanted to be the best and always did a lot of tobogganing in my free time,” explains the Olympic starter.

Still a passionate toboggan fan In 1972 he fulfilled a dream by taking part in the Winter Games in Sapporo (Japan). Because he wasn't comfortable with the conditions, he only managed 21st place. Atzwanger looks back: “The track was built in a hurry and somewhat primitively. The conservationists stood in the way in Japan for a long time; conditions in the ice channel were slow. That didn't suit me at all, I was used to fast trains like those in Olang or Königssee. But Sapporo was still a great experience.”

Leo Atzwanger in action.

Atzwanger still watches races on television today and is excited for the South Tyroleans: “There are some strong ones coming up. Gerda Weißensteiner’s son, for example.” After his tobogganing days, Atzwanger was an enthusiastic bowler. “I won everything with Fortuna Bruneck. Today I have an artificial knee joint and can no longer do sports. But I read the daily newspaper Dolomiten diligently. I hope that my Olympic teammates from 1972 will do the same, whom I would like to extend my warmest regards to,” reports the cheerful senior. His motto in life is very simple: “If you do something that brings you joy, then you will be successful.”

Money was never important to him. Atzwanger did and does things in life out of passion. For his special birthday he will certainly receive a visit from his daughter Evi and their 3 grandchildren. And grandpa might then tell some interesting stories. He can do that.

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South Tyrolean toboggan pioneer turns 80: “Always wanted to be the best”

Leo Atzwanger from Kien was born on April 25, 1944. On Thursday he celebrates a big birthday. The Pusterer is fond of tobogganing.

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