Franz-Josef Rehrl surprises Nordic Combined youngsters

A special surprise was in store for the 24 boys and 8 girls who attended the Austrian Ski Association’s development camp in Hochfilzen and Saalfelden this year. Multiple Seefeld 2019 medal winner Franz-Josef Rehrl visited the children during their camp, oversaw a warming up session and gave valuable tips during jump training. Of course also his autographs were very much in demand after the session.

“The invitation to visit the camp was a huge joy to me. I was especially happy to come because I participated in this camp when I was a boy. Besides exercises and tricks, I wanted to convey the joy of this beautiful sport and I think I succeeded quite well with this”, Rehrl said after his visit.

In total, eleven coaches and staff were busy to offer an attractive programme to the present children. The camp is hosted to introduce Nordic Combined to athletes from different clubs and regional federations and to teach the most important basics. The army training base in Hochfilzen hosts the children and the facility is also used for roller ski training. The jumping training takes place in Saalfelden.

Günther Chromecek, who is in charge of organising the camp in ÖSV drew a positive bottom line: “This time, we were a smaller group than in the last years but the participants were even more motivated. It was a lot of fun to work with them. The character of the camp is unique and Franz-Josef’s visit was a true highlight. I also have to mention the development of the girls specifically. Their level of performance rises with every year. We would like to thank the army training centre in Hochfilzen and the responsible hill crew in Saalfelden for hosting us.”