Tom Walek: "A bit like coming home!"

The Ö3 microman is hosting the gala night of sports for the seventh time in a row. Together with his stage colleague Silvia Schneider, he will lead the evening on February 9th at 8 p.m. in the Brucknerhaus Linz.

OÖNachrichten: The seventh assignment as a presenter at the Gala Night of Sports: How does your appearance not become routine?

Tom Walek: On the one hand, I have been an enthusiastic athlete all my life and find the achievements that are honored on this occasion very interesting. On the other hand, I can once again be on stage with Silvia Schneider, who has mastered her craft like no other. We complement each other perfectly and don’t get in each other’s way. In addition, the Upper Austrians are a great audience who carry us through the evening. For me it is a great sign of appreciation that I can help organize the gala again this year.

Prepare yourself specifically, or is your experience enough?

Just as top athletes prepare specifically for each competition – even if, for example, they have already ridden the downhill or slalom dozens of times – Silvia and I prepare for the moderation. If you are well trained and know exactly what to pay particular attention to that evening, the performance will seem much more relaxed.

Silvia Schneider and you are a well-rehearsed team on stage. Even on the dance floor?

Of course we will dance together again. Silvia’s skills are far superior to me, but she doesn’t let me feel it.

As a big sports fan, have you discovered any new sports recently?

I’ve been playing tennis again for some time now. I’ve done this before, but haven’t taken the time to do it in recent years. I’m also going kitesurfing again with my wife. This was too complicated for us while our children were still very small. Since we live on Lake Neusiedl, we can now fully enjoy the constant wind conditions with the kite again.

What are you particularly looking forward to at the gala night?

Going to Linz always feels a bit like coming home. I like the setting of the gala and am looking forward to meeting private acquaintances, the athletes and the organizers. There is always a cozy, homely atmosphere in which I feel very comfortable.