Kate Allen made triathlon popular in Austria with her sensational Olympic victory in Athens in 2004.

The Innsbruck native also inspired two young Tyrolean talents at the time. "From then on, it was clear to me that I wanted to go to the Olympic Games one day," recalls Tjebbe Kaindl. Luis Knabl adds: "I got an autograph at the children's triathlon."

Olympic medal would be a sensation
20 years later, the two buddies are now competing at the Games in Paris themselves. But a Tyrolean Olympic medal on July 30 would be a huge sensation.

"Of course everyone dreams of a podium place, but everything would have to go perfectly for that to happen," says Knabl ahead of his second Olympic start. Debutant Kaindl: "For me, the participation alone was a dream come true."

"Still have a score to settle"
Of course, taking part is not everything for the duo. K&K are confident of a place in the top 20 in the 55-strong field. "I have to deliver my best performance for that," says Kaindl. Knabl says with a view to the crash in Tokyo: "I still have a score to settle with the Olympics. I just want to show what I can really do this time."

Parents as lucky charms
This time, however, the 32-year-old from Oberhofen has his parents Alois and Karin with him for good luck: "This is the fourth time they have booked an Olympic trip. Now they should also see me compete for the first time."

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