(ATR) Austria’s newest skiing superstar, 23-year-old Matthias Mayer, was the "Toast of the Town" Sunday night at the Austria Tirol House.
Mayer, who became the first Austrian to win the men’s Olympic downhill since 2002, received a rock star like greeting upon his entrance. From ORF to Eurosport, camera crews clamored for interviews and guests, friends and Austrian NOC friends posed for photos with their country’s newest champion.
Deservedly so, Mayer swigged a large mug of Austrian beer to begin the celebration, receiving thunderous applause.
Austrian NOC president Karl Stoss and secretary general Peter Mennel welcomed guests to the stylish Tirol House, with its large glass windows and views of the mountains across the street.
Ski racing legends Karl Schranz and Egon Zimmerman were also present at Tirol House, welcoming Mayer to the exclusive club of Austrian ski racing champions.
"I have to say I don’t really recognize that right now," said Mayer about joining six Austrian greats who have won the Olympic downhill. "I don’t have words, I’m just so happy right now."
"It’s very good to have a young one to win the downhill at the Olympics," said Karl Schranz, a three-time world champion and 1964 Olympic silver medalist. "Right now, he is a hero of all the television and newspaper people and Austria is very happy."
"I was up at the finish line today and it was amazing," said Zimmerman, the 1964 Olympic downhill champion. "I’m really happy that this young one won. He skied fantastic for his age. Congratulations, Matthias; we have you in our club."
Also at his side for the joyous and emotional celebration at Austria House was Mayer’s father, Helmut – a bronze medalist in the super-G at the 1988 Calgary Games – and his younger brother.
Canadian downhillers Manny Osborne-Paradis, Jan Hudec, and Benjamin Thompson dropped by to congratulate the new Olympic champion. As the party progressed, the always-entertaining Hudec even took a turn as guest bartender.
The Austrian band, free-flowing beers, and delicious food kept the party festive well into the Russian night.
Mayer’s surprise victory was a fantastic start for the Austrian ski team at the Sochi 2014 Games and the celebration at the Austrian Tirol House was equally sensational.
Reported byBrian Pinelli in Krasnaya Polyana
Toast of Sochi is presented by Sberbank, General Partner of Sochi 2014
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