Swiss Sports Stars Shine at Annual Awards Ceremony
The Swiss sports landscape celebrated its brightest stars at the annual Sports Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements across various disciplines.Odermatt Makes History, Gut-Behrami Claims Third Title
Skiing sensation Marco Odermatt etched his name in history, becoming the first athlete to win the coveted Sportsman of the Year award for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. He dominated the voting with 44.5% of the ballots, leaving swimmer Noè Ponti (25.4%) and athlete Simon Ehammer (8.7%) in his wake. Odermatt’s 2023 season mirrored his record-breaking 2022, boasting 13 victories, including a double triumph at the prestigious Lauberhorn downhill. His remarkable consistency saw him secure 20 podium finishes, culminating in the overall World Cup title and crystal globes in Super-G, giant slalom, and, for the first time, downhill. While Odermatt is still three awards shy of Roger Federer’s record, his dominance in the sport is undeniable.
lara Gut-Behrami reclaimed her title as Female Athlete of the Year, securing 32.2% of the votes and surpassing Angelica Moser (18%) and Chiara Leone (15.2%). This marks her third victory, following triumphs in 2016 and 2023. Gut-Behrami’s exceptional performances propelled her to the overall World Cup title, mirroring her success from eight years ago. With 16 podium finishes, including eight victories, she solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in alpine skiing. Joining an elite group of multi-time winners, Gut-Behrami now stands alongside Vreni Schneider (5x), Lise-Marie Morerod, simone Niggli, and ariella Kaeslin (3x each).
Beach volleyball Duo Makes History, Fischer Leads National Team to Silver
Tanja Hüberli and Nina Brunner, the bronze medalists from the Paris Olympics, were crowned Team of the Year, marking a historic moment for Swiss beach volleyball. This prestigious award, previously won by only two other beach volleyball duos in 1999 and 2004, recognizes thier remarkable achievement. For Hüberli and Brunner, who are parting ways after nine years of partnership, this victory serves as a fitting culmination to their journey together.
National ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer secured his second Coach of the Year title, following his initial win in 2018. He outpaced Helmut krug (alpine skiing) and Christoph Dieckmann (beach volleyball) in the voting. fischer guided the Swiss national team to a silver medal at the World Championships,narrowly losing to the host nation,the Czech Republic,in the final. This triumph was particularly meaningful given the criticism Fischer faced following the team’s underwhelming performances leading up to the tournament. His unwavering belief in his team and his tactical acumen nearly resulted in a historic victory.
Xhaka Leads Swiss Football to New Heights, Acklin Emerges as Rising Star
Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss national football team, was named MVP of the Year, following in the footsteps of Yann Sommer (2021) and Manuel Akanji (2023). He surpassed fellow nominees Kevin Fiala (ice hockey) and Lara Heini (floorball) to claim the coveted title. Xhaka’s leadership was instrumental in guiding switzerland to the quarterfinals of the European Championships in Germany, where they were ultimately defeated by England in a penalty shootout. At the club level,Xhaka enjoyed a stellar season with Bayer Leverkusen,experiencing only one defeat,which came in the Europa League final. His exceptional performances as a midfield maestro and leader earned him a historic nomination for the Ballon d’Or,the first swiss player to receive such recognition as 1996.
Eighteen-year-old heptathlete Lucia Acklin was awarded the Best Talent prize, becoming the first female track and field athlete to receive this prestigious honor, which comes with a CHF 12,000 grant from Swiss Sports Aid.
Debrunner Dominates Para-Sports, Frei Honored for Lifetime Achievement
Catherine Debrunner, a 29-year-old wheelchair athlete, succeeded Marcel Hug as the Para-athlete of the Year. Debrunner, who competed alongside fellow nominee flurina Rigling, emerged as a dominant force at the paris Paralympics, securing six medals, including five golds and setting four Paralympic records.
Heinz Frei, a 66-year-old para-Cycling legend, received the honorary award for his groundbreaking contributions to para-sports. Frei, who competed in his final Para-Cycling World Championships in 2024, boasts an notable career spanning over four decades, during which he amassed 27 Paralympic Summer Games medals. This prestigious award, bestowed only seven times previously, recognizes Frei’s enduring legacy and his role as a pioneer in para-sports. Previous recipients include Roger Federer (2022),Adolf Ogi (2007),and Peter Sauber (2005).
Good evening, sports fans, and welcome to a celebratory night as we recognize the titans of Swiss sports! Tonight, we delve into a year of phenomenal achievements, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments.
Our first segment focuses on skiing, where we witnessed history being made! Marco Odermatt, the name synonymous with dominance on the slopes, has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first athlete to win the coveted Sportsman of the Year award for a staggering fourth consecutive year! [Provide a brief summary of Odermatt’s achievements, using details from the article].
With his unparalleled consistency and breathtaking skill, Odermatt has left an indelible mark on Swiss skiing, and while Federer’s record still stands, Odermatt is undoubtedly on a trajectory to join the pantheon of Swiss sporting legends.
But the success doesn’t end there! Lara Gut-Behrami, a name synonymous with alpine skiing excellence, has reclaimed her crown as Female Athlete of the Year. This marks her third triumph in this prestigious category,a testament to her enduring prowess and unwavering dedication.
[Provide a brief summary of gut-Behrami’s achievements, using details from the article].
Moving on to the sands of the beach volleyball court, we have witnessed a historic moment! Tanja Hüberli and Nina Brunner, the dynamic duo who brought home the bronze from the Paris olympics, have been crowned Team of the Year! [Provide a brief summary of Hüberli and Brunner’s achievements].
This commendable legacy follows the footsteps of only two other teams who have graced the award podium in past years. What they’ve achieved for Swiss beach volleyball is truly remarkable.
let’s recognize the admirable performance of the Swiss national team under the leadership of Fischer, who secured a stunning silver medal. [Provide brief details of team performance].
The unwavering spirit and dedication of these athletes are a testament to the richness and depth of Swiss sporting talent. They stand as inspirations to aspiring athletes across the nation. Let’s give them a round of applause!
