Florian Brungraber

Started: He took up the sport in 2013 at age 28 at Linz Triathlon in Austria. Before his accident, he had competed in half marathons. (Athlete, 20 Aug 2021; tips.at, 22 Apr 2017; triyourlife.at, 05 Mar 2017) Reason: "After the accident in 2011, underwater therapy first developed into the breaststroke and later the crawl. In order to have more opportunities to do sport, I bought a handcycle at the end of 2013. Then I thought, if I learn to drive a racing wheelchair, I can take part in triathlon. I spontaneously started racing at a triathlon event in Linz in 2014. After that, it was immediately clear to me that I really wanted to continue." (tips.at, 22 Apr 2017; triyourlife.at, 05 Mar 2017) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (flobrungraber.at, 11 May 2024) Milestones: He became the first triathlete to win a Paralympic medal in the sport for Austria when he claimed silver in the men's PTWC event at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 01 Jul 2024) Awards: In 2024 he was awarded the Silver Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria. (triathlon-austria.at, 05 Jul 2024) He was named Male Para Triathlete of the Year for 2022 by Europe Triathlon. (obsv.at, 07 Mar 2023; europe.triathlon.org, 06 Mar 2023) He was named Male Triathlete of the Year at the 2021 Austria Triathlon Awards. (trinews.at, 06 Dec 2021) Additional Info: FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE Swimming is his favoured leg of the triathlon. "My favourite part is swimming because that's where we have the smallest difference. However, I have to divide the strength in my arms well for all three disciplines." (tips.at, 22 Apr 2017) OCCUPATION He has worked as a project manager for hydropower plants in Austria. "I consider it crucial that I master both work and sport to the highest level possible. Most of the world's top competitors are not employed and can dedicate themselves to their sport, but I also have a demanding job. I believe that makes my fellow competitors admire my athletic performance even more. I get a lot of support from my girlfriend, but also support from the company helps me to be flexible in my second job as a professional athlete." (flobrungraber.at, 11 May 2024; andritz.com, 04 Oct 2023; tips.at, 29 Sep 2021)

Sporting Relatives: His partner Sabine Pux has served as his handler in competitions. (triathlon.org, 14 Jul 2023; tips.at, 05 Jun 2023)