With partner Silke

“Super Mario” takes to the skies in Liebenau

Mario Hammer and Silke Weinhofer are a well-rehearsed team.(Bild: Wulf Scherbichler)

Styria is still dominated by the Special Olympics until the closing ceremonies on Monday evening. In Graz, Seiersberg, Ramsau and Schladming, 1000 athletes are in action with a lot of enthusiasm and emotion. We met up with a figure skater and his unified partner.

Mario Hammer and Silke Weinhofer are a well-rehearsed team, you can feel that after just a few moments. Mario lives in Lebenswelt Kainbach, where his unified partner Silke works.

Coach Lena Klammler (left) with her two athletes.(Bild: Wulf Scherbichler)

Mario is the veteran of the team: "I've been with them for 20 years." Silke first had to learn figure skating on her own, and the two have now been on the ice together for nine years. They train in Hart, the choreography, the costumes, the choice of music - everything is done in-house together with coach Lena Klammler (also from Lebenswelten).

Speaking of music selection: Lena and Silke have to be careful not to include too much singing. "Because Mario loves to sing. And he forgets a lot of other things when he's so busy singing along." At the games in Graz, the 1.30-minute freestyle will be "Nothing else matters" by Metallica.

How does Silke see her role as a unified partner? "You have to fully adapt to your partner. After all, I have to lead Mario, give the commands. Because the most important thing is that we are in sync." The judges look very closely at this... 

Mario's goal at the competition in the Liebenau ice rink is very clear: "To win." And if he doesn't win? "That doesn't matter then."

In Graz-Liebenau, it's all about the medals for both of them.(Bild: Wulf Scherbichler)

Mario, who also likes to go shopping, is a little nervous before the competition on Sunday. "But he enjoys running in front of the public," says Silke. And this time, family and friends have also announced their attendance. "However," Silke emphasizes, "sport is very important to our athletes. They experience many wonderful moments and can show what they can do. All the participants are one big family." 

When asked about his favorite character, "Super Mario" gets right to it and shows the "Flyer".

We're definitely keeping our fingers crossed for the duo!