Sigi's tips | Wierer against Paris and Sinner

Every now and then we are spoiled for choice. Where do we make our cross? Who do we prefer? All of this takes place on the political stage primarily under the aspect that the person who promises to secure prosperity gets the vote. Priority. Then of course it's also a bit about continuing to stabilize democracy. We can also contribute a large part to this, even if it ultimately seems small with just one trip to the voting booth.

But every step behind the curtain is important and can be decisive for the well-being of citizens and their state. We are used to the fact that many things that were previously promised turn out to be hot air. Unfortunately, politicians' nonsense often serves to secure their re-election and therefore their personal well-being with a decent salary and a solid pension, even if they only make it into the state or federal parliament for one legislative period. Elections are not easy because there are no precise yardsticks. No success stories, no medals that one could count to get an idea of the achievements achieved.

Darja Varfolomeev enjoyed huge successes, but they went unappreciated. © APA/afp / JOSE JORDAN

In sport, one might think, things seem to be different. You have parameters that you can use as a guide, which is why the so-called athlete selections should be easy. But that's not the case. Here, even more, much more, feelings come into play, which often makes the distribution of points unfair. Now it's that time again in South Tyrol. It's time to choose the best. The best athletes, the best athletes and the best coaches.

The selection is gigantic, almost confusing and in the end, depending on the voters' point of view, it may not even be the best who win. It is more than just problematic to filter out from a wealth of outstanding athletes those who are perhaps a little bit better than the competition you have to face, even though there is actually almost no equivalent measurement unit available. There is simply no neutral comparison option.

When five gold medals aren't enough I'm thinking of Darja Varfolomeev. This is a Russian-born rhythmic gymnastics athlete who won five gold medals for Germany at last year's World Championships in Valencia, Spain. Out of five possible. This also included the title in the all-around, which will also be awarded at the Olympic Games in Paris this year. The 17-year-old is already the declared favorite to win the Olympics. And yet she lost in the sports election in Germany. She only took second place behind a biathlete who only won one world title at the time: Denis Herrmann-Wick won the sprint at the home World Championships in Oberhof.

Denise Herrmann-Wick is a biathlon superstar. © AFP / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

One title against five. That was enough to secure the majority of votes. This example shows that there is no comparability between sports and that ultimately, and above all, a comprehensive media presence is crucial. Herrmann-Wick was really on everyone's lips and on all channels and in all print media after their success at home. The celebration lasted for several days, while Varfolomeev (her mother has German citizenship and her grandfather was also German) secured her merits almost in camera.

She left the floor mat in Spain undefeated. There was only a brief report about it in the news and some widespread attention on so-called social media. That's it. The gymnast never had a chance against the biathlete, who was also present from December to the end of March for years.

Popularity secures votes Herrmann-Wick was popular, Varfolomeev was only slightly known. And only for a short time. This is perhaps or certainly the most important factor that influences such a choice of athlete. It's not so much about the number of medals, the victories and results, but about the external presentation of the activities. It's about being present in as close a sequence as possible, although it is also clear that only success can give momentum to popularity.

And another factor comes into play. Anyone who has already been at the top of such elections will continue to be able to collect a lot of points. It is an automaticity of convenience that sets in here. Lionel Messi, for example, has become a world footballer again. As if there were no alternatives. The fact that the Norwegian Erling Haaland scored a goal in almost every game at Manchester City and usually in a spectacular way was also not appreciated by the audience. Messi became FIFA World Player of the Year for the eighth time. Incidentally, he was not in the hall, just as Haaland was absent from the ceremony, which is ultimately a clear expression of the fact that the kicking millionaires personally probably don't think too much of this choice.

Different parameters It is undoubtedly difficult, as with any election, to make the right decision, even in South Tyrol, because in order to be able to judge fairly you would have to deal extremely intensively with the athletes, their sport and their environment. There are so many starting points that could be used. From the different competitive situations in the different sports to the very different requirements for the respective candidates.

And yet I think everyone who can stand for election in their respective categories can feel like a winner. You are there. Whether they ultimately receive trophies is, for once, a matter of sporting emotion; times, distances and results take a back seat. It's a competition on terrain that you as an athlete can only influence to a small extent. Particular excitement is therefore ensured, combined with the hope that as many sports fans as possible will cast their votes. As it should be in an election.

About the author: Sigi Heinrich The award-winning sports journalist (including the winner of the German Television Prize and the Bavarian Sports Prize) dedicates his column “Sigi's Peaks” to the entire diversity of sport and also enjoys poaching in foreign regions. Sometimes with a smile and a wink, sometimes serious and thoughtful or deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone.

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Sigi's tips | Wierer against Paris and Sinner

Like every year, the choice of athletes in South Tyrol will once again be influenced by many emotions for the fans. Our columnist Sigi Heinrich sees the problem of comparing different sports and the results. In the end, it's also about popularity and external representation.

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