Andrea Vötter: “Even the competition cheered”

In the last 14 months, Vötter made it into the top 6 in the World Cup six times, but was always a few thousandths short of a podium finish. Until last weekend, when the 5-year-old from Völs advanced from 24th to 5rd place in the decisive race. Their shout of joy could be heard far beyond the ice channel in Altenberg. As a result, she even overshadowed the German winner of the day, Julia Taubitz.

Andrea Vötter (r.) made it to the podium for the first time in Altenberg. © Private

In the meantime, Vötter's joy has subsided again. They went straight on to Lillehammer, where the European Championship titles will be awarded this weekend. SportNews reached out to her between the ice track training and the afternoon exercise session in the weight room and conducted the following telephone interview with her.

How big is the stone that fell from your heart on Saturday?

Andrea Vötter: “It’s incredibly big. I've waited so long for this moment when everything just falls away. I’m now going into the next races more liberated and even more motivated.”

“I haven’t had enough yet” So you're going into the European Championship with a big heart? "In any case. The season so far hasn't gone quite as planned, but the fact that things come together on a difficult track like the one in Altenberg shows that I'm in a good mood. I’m far from having enough – on the contrary, it would be nice if I could repeat my podium finish this weekend.”

So you have your sights set on the medal spots? “I want to be consistently in the top five, but of course in title fights you look at the top places. That’s kind of what I want.”

“We also have a good card in the relay” In Lillehammer you even have two chances to win medals... “That’s right, we also have good cards in the team relay. We have established ourselves at the forefront there in the last two competitions. However, since in this discipline three rides in a row have to fit perfectly, it is always a bit of a gamble.”

What were the reactions to your longed-for top-three placement in the World Cup? “I received an incredible amount of congratulations at the finish, both from my own team and from the competition. There were many who were happy for me. What I particularly remember is the reaction of the German coaches. They warmly congratulated me - even though I had left several German sledders behind me on their home track. I will never forget those moments at the finish.” The European Championship program in Lillehammer (NOR): Friday January 17th 9:30 a.m.: Nations Cup

Saturday January 18th 9.50 a.m.: 1st run women 11.15 a.m.: 2st run women 12.40 p.m.: 1st run doubles 14 p.m.: 2st run doubles

Sunday January 19st 9.20 a.m.: 1st run men 10.55 a.m.: 2st run men 13 a.m.: Team relay

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Andrea Vötter: “Even the competition cheered”

Hardly any local athlete has been as badly hit by bad luck in recent times as artificial track luger Andrea Vötter. But now the knot has broken for her - just a few days before the European Championships in Lillehammer.

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