von Tessa Mellinger
February 28, 2019
WINTER
Seefeld 2019: Faces around the World Championships
"Hand in Hand" is the motto of Seefeld 2019 and this is lived. A major event like a Nordic World Ski Championships is only possible through the good cooperation of many individual people and partners. We met some of the people who work behind the scenes every day to ensure that the World Championships are a complete success for everyone.
Thomas "Unti" Unterfrauner: Cross-country ski trail manager
His job: As course director, "Unti" is responsible for the trails of the combined and cross-country races. Here, the focus is on ensuring that fair and safe conditions prevail for the athletes. Especially on warm days, decisions have to be made whether to intervene manually, for example with salt, or whether to leave the snow to nature's own devices. In addition, Unti and his team are responsible for ensuring that the tracks are always perfectly marked and that the grooming fits. The track setting, i.e. the tracking in the ideal line, is one of their major tasks. Furthermore, they make sure that the fences between the athletes and the audience work.
"We are a great team! For my helpers, my team I am very grateful. But 3 unwords we have by now, we almost can't hear anymore: Choaching Zone, Taxis and Wi-Board!"
Thomas „Unti“ Unterfrauner
Martin Tauber: Cross-country skiing trail expert
His job: He coordinates the preparation of the race tracks and the access area outside the stadium as well as from the Medal Plaza. Various deliveries to the fan zones also go through Martin, because grooming equipment is always needed for this.
"Our slogan "hand in hand" works very well in my area. We work great together with all the companies we have to deal with. Be it in the construction phase, immediately in the World Cup phase or next week in the dismantling phase, it works."
Martin Tauber
Rainer Renauer: make-up artist for the athletes
Rainer is a star hairdresser and makeup artist in Mösern. During the World Championships, the die-hard cross-country skiing fan gets closer to the athletes than almost anyone else. They can have their makeup and hair done by him in the "Green Room" before the award ceremony. The Russian and Slovenian athletes in particular are happy to take up this offer. The Norwegians are usually already made up, because they come from the TV stations. Rainer is especially happy about the numerous Swedish and Norwegian fans, as they provide the best atmosphere.
"It's funny how you change during the work. Normally I'm fully behind Austria, but there I'm feverish with every athlete and I begrudge every athlete from the bottom of my heart!"
Makeup artist and hairdresser Rainer Renauer
Yvonne Kirnbauer: The organization firmly in hand
Her job: Yvonne Kirnbauer is Head of Administration. She is responsible for all organizational matters in the background and is on duty everywhere. Her work already started 5 years before the World Championships, 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 great atmosphere.
"Hand in hand - together we create great things!"
Yvonne Kirnbauer
Snowie: The mascot
His task: As the official mascot of the Seefeld 2019 World Cup, Snowie mingles with the fans and spreads fun and good humor. Snowie is always ready for photos - once he has been spotted, he is virtually surrounded by the fans! Especially the children are happy when they get to meet Snowie. But adults also like to take home a photo with Snowie as a souvenir.
"When you see how happy people are, it's wonderful! Meeting all the fans from all over the world is just fun!"
Snowie: The World Cup mascot
Their job: They get the last milliseconds out of the skis of Austria's best athletes. They are the waxing professionals and prepare the skis with a lot of expertise and effort.
"The last milliseconds can be the decisive difference between whether you win or not!"
Reinhad "Reini" Kronbichler and colleague Andreas Fuchs
Operations commander Gerhard Niederwieser: For the safety
His job: Gerhard Niederwieser is the Operations Commander in charge of the World Cup Operations Center. The tasks are many and varied, ranging from traffic services and security for stadiums and visitors to personal protection for celebrities and royalty. 200 to 400 officers are on daily duty under Niederwieser.
"So far, we are completely satisfied with the way the World Championships are going in Seefeld and hope for a great sports festival!"
Operations Commander Gerhard Niederwieser
Support on 4 paws: Police dog Nemo
His task: he is the companion of the police. Nemo is on the road every day with Group Inspector Michael Stocker, looking for prohibited objects and substances.
Police dog Nemo
Manuel Norz: Coordinator of 600 volunteers
His job: Manuel Norz looks after the volunteers on site, who come from all over Europe. He always has an open ear for all questions, requests and suggestions. He is also responsible for ensuring that they are all distributed to the right places. This requires a lot of spontaneity and the telephone is his best friend.
"The volunteers are all very nice and motivated - especially the Scandinavians, especially when it comes to cross-country skiing!"
Manuel Norz
These and many more people make sure that the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld 2019 are a complete success - we thank every single contributor and fan from the bottom of our hearts for their energetic commitment, hard work and cheering!
Related Links:
"Nordic Stories: More stories about the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld 2019.
Seefeld 2019: All info at a glance
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