OUR TESTIMONIALS
We are delighted to present the testimonials of EuroGames Vienna 2024, featuring inspiring voices that champion our values and mission. These individuals embody the spirit of inclusivity, diversity, and excellence that EuroGames stands for. Their support is not only a reflection of the event’s significance but also highlights the crucial role that positive role models play in the world of sports. By sharing their stories and experiences, they pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting sporting community, inspiring countless others to embrace their true selves and participate in sports without fear of discrimination.
VIRGINIA ERNST
Picture: Elisabeth Lechner
She decided to play ice hockey at the age of nine and made it onto the women’s national team at 13, with whom she played in five world championships. In 2008, she won gold at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland. She then played professionally in Sweden for three years.
In addition to ice hockey, she learnt to play the guitar via YouTube and discovered her passion for music and songwriting. In 2011, she ended her ice hockey career and dedicated herself entirely to music. In 2012, she released her first song “I WISH” and had her breakthrough in the Austrian charts in 2014 with “ROCKIN”. The following single “SOLDIER” reached number 1.
Her debut album “ONE” was released in 2017. In 2018, she produced the single “LOOKING IN THESE EYES NOW” together with Alan Parsons, which was released in 2019. In March 2019, she took part in the ORF show “Dancing Stars”.
Since the first lockdown in 2020, Virginia has been delighting fans with her comedy reels on Instagram and Facebook.
Why do you support EuroGames Vienna 2024 as a testimonial?
Because Austria is still quite conservative and there are still few people in same-sex relationships who are open about it.
Why do you think coming out by top athletes still makes the headlines?
Because people aren’t used to it – especially men; I think it’s much more common for women, but for men, especially in football, football or baseball, there’s a strong reference to masculinity. And when someone says that they just like men, they immediately categorise them as “unmanly”, and I don’t understand that at all.
Is there anything you would like to pass on to (closeted) athletes?
What I can tell you is that you play better when you are free, because mental stress also restricts your sporting mobility. Sport must be free of mental stress, otherwise you can’t deliver.
SIMONE FEICHTINGER
Picture: Tom Joy
Simone Feichtinger is a mountain biker and works in the music industry. Born in Bad Ischl in 1980, she turned to sports early in life. Inspired by the achievements of Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå, the winner of the 2004 Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, she quickly took up mountain biking herself.
With her positive and life-affirming attitude, she has since won many awards and achieved successes in her life, such as: 2015 – 12h MTB European Championship Gold (single) and 12h MTB World Championship Bronze (double). Even in challenging times, when faced with personal setbacks, she never lost her courage and optimism: “I want to encourage others in similar situations and inspire them to persevere.”
For years, with Liv as a strong partner by her side, she has been advocating for “More Women on Bikes” in cycling. Music is Simone’s passion. It has given her strength in difficult times and has been her professional home for nearly 20 years, both nationally and internationally. She aspires to be a role model through her optimistic and cheerful outlook on life. “Change always begins in the mind!”
Why do you support EuroGames Vienna 2024 as a testimonial?
For many people, sports are a central part of their lives. Sports are not only reflected in fashion or the media but also in people’s minds. In many ways, sports mirror society and reveal social developments and values. It is therefore not surprising that discriminatory attitudes are also reproduced there. In some sports, conservative and traditional values still prevail, which are gaining popularity, especially in times like these. This is why I support the EuroGames as an ambassador.
What needs to change that homosexuality is no longer an issue in sport and beyond?
Tolerance must become real acceptance, and this can only be achieved through education and awareness-raising measures at all levels of the sports landscape and beyond. Homophobia in sports often manifests through the concealment and silence regarding the sexual orientation or gender identities of LGBTQ+ athletes. Therefore, multi-sport events like the EuroGames are so important for the queer community because they contribute to visibility. To create an inclusive society, public visibility and societal engagement with the topic are needed.
Which message should be sent out by EuroGames Vienna 2024?
“Multi-sport events in popular sports for all people regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation!”
OLIVER EGGER
Picture: Andy Joe
Oliver Egger has been a football player since he started playing at the age of seven. His youth clubs were FC Gratkorn and SK Sturm Graz. At Sturm, he went through the entire academy. He has still been actively playing as a defender for FC Gratkorn in the Oberliga Mitte West since 2012.
After years of hiding, he came out as gay to his friends and family at the age of 22. A short time later, he also told his team-mates at FC Gratkorn.
As the main actor in the film “The Day Will Come”, he is the first Austrian footballer to openly admit his homosexuality. Since then, he has been trying to make Austrian football a little more colourful.
In his role as a contact person for discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, which is supervised by the Austrian Football Association and the Austrian Bundesliga, he wants to pass on his experiences to all those who have to deal with prejudice and discrimination. Other areas of responsibility include networking with other stake-holders in football, media appointments and acting as an interview partner for bachelor’s and master’s theses.
Why do you support EuroGames Vienna 2024 as a testimonial?
It is important to me that sport is accessible to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. And that is what the EuroGames stand for, which is why I’m happy to be on board as a testimonial.
How have you been since your coming out in 2016?
Better than ever before. Since coming out, I feel liberated and am simply happy and try to set a positive example.
Is there anything you would like to pass on to (closeted) athletes?
Be yourself and know that you are not alone. I can say from personal experience that my coming out, both privately and at the football club, was the right step and I’ve never felt better since.
Which message should be sent out by EuroGames Vienna 2024?
Have fun with sport and exercise, no matter who you are and who you love.
VIKTORIA SCHNADERBECK
Picture: ÖFB
Viktoria “Viki” Sophie Schnaderbeck (33) is a former Austrian footballer. She played for the Austrian national football team from 2007 and captained the national team for nine years.
In August 2022, she announced the end of her active career. Transitioning seamlessly into post-football life, she has since established herself as a keynote speaker, leveraging her experiences to inspire and educate audiences. Additionally, Viktoria has ventured into entrepreneurship, founding her own sports marketing agency, where she continues to influence the industry she loves.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Viktoria has also made waves as a television expert for ORF, offering insightful analysis and commentary on football events and trends. Her expertise and perspective enrich the sports media landscape, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the sport even beyond playing.
Viktoria Schnaderbeck came out as a lesbian in December 2019.
Why do you support EuroGames Vienna 2024 as a testimonial?
The topics of inclusion and diversity are very important to me.
I want to make my small contribution – through my role in the public eye, my voice and ultimately through my story.
How have you been since your coming out in 2019?
It was the best decision. I would never have imagined that I would have so much backing, positive feedback and support.
What needs to change that homosexuality is no longer an issue in sport and beyond?
The most important thing is to create awareness, especially among people who are prejudiced or discriminate.
Is there anything you would like to pass on to (closeted) athletes?
First and foremost, it is important to create your own “safe space”. A private environment in which you can confide and where you can be 100% yourself. This support system has made it much easier for me personally to come out.
Which message should be sent out by EuroGames Vienna 2024?
Sport is for everyone. It’s as simple as that.
NICOLA WERDENIGG
Pictures: Dieter Menne / Christopher Glanzl
Nicola Werdenigg was a successful and well-known Austrian ski racer in the 1970s as Nicola Spieß. In 2017 – when a volleyball coach was convicted of abusing more than 50 underage girls, but this received little media attention – she decided to make public the sexualised violence and abuse of power that she had experienced as a girl and young woman during her active career. This earned her massive criticism, but also a lot of support.
In January 2018, Nicola Werdenigg founded #WeTogether – the Institute for the Prevention of Abuse of Power in Sport – together with Chris Karl. She also received the Ute Bock Prize for Civil Courage in 2018 and published the book “Ski Macht Spiele”. In September 2022, the vera* confidential counselling centre opened its doors, an institution that Werdenigg had campaigned hard for. In 2024, the feature film “Persona Non Grata” was released, which reflects her story in fictional form.
Why do you support EuroGames Vienna 2024 as a testimonial?
Human rights have always been very important to me, which is why I campaign against discrimination and abuse of power on many levels. Sport needs inclusion and diversity to usher in a long-overdue paradigm shift.
You are not a lesbian yourself, but is there anything you would like to pass on to (non-out) athletes from your story?
Anyone who is familiar with the pressure to perform in sport knows that the additional pressure of not being able to fully develop your personality reduces performance and quality of life. It takes courage to publicly declare your sexual orientation. But it can also be liberating. The more athletes who decide to do so, the easier it will be for each individual.
Would you like to see more heterosexuals taking part in the EuroGames 2024?
Sport should have a unifying effect. If heterosexual and homosexual athletes compete together at the EuroGames, this can certainly help to break down prejudices and homophobia.
What do you think is the most important message to be sent out by the EuroGames?
Sport means fair play, respectful co-operation. EuroGames is once again focussing more on this important aspect.
