von Tessa Mellinger
28 February 2019
WINTER
Seefeld 2019: Faces Around the World Championships
"Hand in Hand" is the motto of Seefeld 2019, and it is truly lived. A major event like the Nordic Ski World Championships is only possible through the excellent collaboration of many individual people and partners. We met some of the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the world championships are a complete success for everyone.
Thomas "Unti" Unterfrauner: Head of the Cross-Country Ski Trails
His task: As the course chief, "Unti" is responsible for the tracks of the combiners and cross-country races. The focus here is on ensuring fair and safe conditions for the athletes. Especially on warm days, it has to be decided whether manual intervention is necessary, for example with salt, or whether to let the snow be as it is. Additionally, Unti and his team are responsible for ensuring that the tracks are always perfectly marked and that the grooming is appropriate. Track setting, meaning creating tracks in the ideal line, is one of their major tasks. They also make sure that the barriers between athletes and the audience function properly.
"We are a great team! I am very grateful for my helpers, my team. But we now have 3 taboo words that we can hardly stand to hear: Coaching zone, Taxis, and Wi-Board!"
Thomas "Unti" Unterfrauner
Martin Tauber: Trail Expert
His task: He coordinates the preparation of the race tracks and the access area outside the stadium as well as the Medal Plaza. Various deliveries to the fan zones also go through Martin, as snow grooming machines are always needed for that.
"Our slogan 'Hand in Hand' works very well in my area. We have a great collaboration with all the companies we deal with. Whether it's during the setup phase, directly in the World Cup phase, or next week during the dismantling phase, it all works out."
Martin Tauber
Rainer Renauer: Makeup Artist of Athletes
Rainer is a star hairdresser and make-up artist in Mösern. During the World Championship, the dedicated cross-country skiing fan gets closer to the athletes than almost anyone else. They can have their make-up done and their hair styled in the "Green Room" before the award ceremony. Particularly the Russian and Slovenian athletes take advantage of this offer. The Norwegians are usually already made up, as they come from the TV stations. Rainer is especially pleased about the numerous Swedish and Norwegian fans, as they create the best atmosphere.
"It's funny how you change while working. Normally, I fully support Austria, but during this time, I cheer for every athlete and wish every athlete all the best from the bottom of my heart!"
Rainer Renauer
Yvonne Kirnbauer: Keeping the organization firmly in hand
Your task: Yvonne Kirnbauer is the Head of Administration. This means she is responsible for all organizational matters behind the scenes and is involved everywhere. Her work started 5 years before the World Cup, in 2014. So she is happy that the World Championships are finally here – and that everyone is having fun. What she likes most is the fantastic atmosphere.
"Hand in hand – together we can achieve great things!"
Yvonne Kirnbauer
Snowie: The Mascot
His task: As the official mascot of the 2019 World Championship in Seefeld, Snowie mingles with the fans and spreads fun and good cheer. Snowie is always ready for photos – once spotted, it's practically surrounded by fans! Especially the children are excited to meet Snowie. But the adults also love to take a photo with Snowie to take home as a memento.
“Seeing how happy the people are is wonderful! Interacting with the many fans from all over the world is just fun!”
Snowie
Reinhard "Reini" Kronbichler and Andreas Fuchs: The Wax Professionals
Your task: You extract the last milliseconds from the skis of Austria's best athletes. You are the waxing professionals and prepare the skis with great expertise and effort.
"The last milliseconds can be the decisive difference between winning and losing!"
Reinhard "Reini" Kronbichler and Andreas Fuchs
Operation Commander Gerhard Niederwieser: For Safety
His task: Gerhard Niederwieser serves as the operations commander at the operational center for the World Championships. The responsibilities are diverse: ranging from traffic service to the safety of the stadiums and visitors, as well as the personal protection of celebrities and royal families. Between 200 and 400 officers are deployed daily under Niederwieser.
"So far, we are completely satisfied with the progress of the World Championships in Seefeld and hope for a great sports festival!"
Operational Commander Gerhard Niederwieser
Support on 4 Paws: Police Dog Nemo
His task: He is the companion of the police. Nemo is out every day with group inspector Michael Stocker, searching for forbidden items and substances.
Police Dog Nemo
Manuel Norz: Coordinator of 600 Volunteers
His task: Manuel Norz looks after the volunteers on-site, who come from all over Europe. He is always open to questions, requests, and suggestions. Additionally, he is responsible for ensuring that they are all assigned to the correct locations. This requires a lot of spontaneity, and the phone is his best friend.
"The volunteers are all very nice and motivated – especially the Scandinavians, particularly when it comes to cross-country skiing!"
Manuel Norz
This and many more people contribute to making the FIS Nordic Ski World Championship in Seefeld 2019 a complete success – we sincerely thank each and every participant and fan for their active commitment, hard work, and cheering!
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