ABICHT HOPES FOR PARIS

“I’m putting the decision in the hands of the ÖOC”

Windsurfer Lorena Abicht theoretically has her Olympic participation in the bag thanks to the "Developing Country Ticket". But the athlete from YC Neusiedler See still has to wait for the final "go" from the ÖOC regarding her Paris start.

The fact that the placings at the Last Chance Regatta in the French waters off Hyeres were not enough for an Olympic quota place is one thing. The other, however, is that Lorena Abicht could travel to Paris after all thanks to the "Developing Country Ticket".

An Olympic quota place was always my big dream.

Windsurferin Lorena Abicht.

"When I made the switch from the 49erFX to the windsurfing class two and a half years ago, an Olympic quota place was my big dream," says the athlete from YC Neusiedler See.

But it remains to be seen whether she will actually compete in the five rings event. Even the one of two additional "Developing Nation" quota places available - a status that Austria has because it failed to qualify for the last two Olympic Games in windsurfing - does not yet mean that she will actually be able to take part. 
"I hope for the chance"
The final "go" comes from the ÖOC, which decides whether this place will be "filled", i.e. whether it will be used. "I hope that I get the chance and will leave the decision in the hands of the committee," says the iQFoil athlete.