SKI JUMPING. As expected by many, favorite Thomas Morgenstern was voted "Athlete of the Year” by the Austrian sports journalists. The 25-year-old, who won the overall World Cup, the 4-Hills-Tournament and three Gold medals at the World Championships in Oslo last winter, won clearly ahead of snowboard World Champion Benjamin Karl and Gregor Schlierenzauer.

“This is a very special, emotional and honorable moment for me. I don’t take the life that I can live for granted and I’m very grateful for it.”, said Morgenstern.

This is already the second time that Morgenstern could win this title. He received the award for the first time in 2008 after his first overall World Cup victory.

Ski jumpers also the best team

In the category “Team of the Year” the two Gold medals that they won in Oslo earned Thomas Morgenstern, Gregor Schlierenzauer, Martin Koch and Andreas Kofler another trophy.

Morgenstern was surprised by this victory. “Like all the other nominees we showed a very good performance, but we thought that the Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing will win.”

FISskijumping.com
09.11.2011 20:10