Austrian curling taking a big step in the right direction

Not every team has the opportunity to expunge an unwanted record that’s stood for over 40 years, but Austria did when they beat Korea by 11-4 during their round-robin programme, to record their country’s first win at this level since 1983.

And while that victory may have been a highlight, Austrian skip Mathais Genner and his team have many more great memories to take home following Austria’s first world championship appearance since 2002.

Genner said, “It’s great. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also tough, playing tough teams all week. It’s new, it takes some getting used to, but we enjoy it.”

As he explains, his team have played in a couple of tournaments in Canada previously — “but never anything like this — this is a first, but we’ve enjoyed it a lot.”

Mathias Genner during Team Austria’s game v Switzerland © World Curling / Stephen Fisher

Focus on their own game

Despite their best efforts, the Austrian team will go back home after Moose Jaw without troubling the play-off slots, but they’ve been able to cope with that.

Genner explained, “We just focus on doing what we can do well, play to our abilities. We try to make the games as close as we can, and maybe win one or two. We got the win, of course, but the focus for us is just playing well.”

Looking beyond his own team’s experience, Genner said, “I think it’s a big step in the right direction for Austrian curling. We haven’t been here for a long time, haven’t had a win since 1983. It’s definitely important and hopefully we can get something out of it.”

And one of the things that’s already come out of this team’s improvement has been increased funding from their government.

“Funding is the thing of course. We’ve had increased funding from the government since we made the A-Division at the Europeans and now the Worlds” said Genner.

“Now we’re trying to practise as much as we can. It’s tough — we’re all in full-time work or study. You have to accept that we’re not full-time athletes — we never will be — but it is what it is, so we have to do the best we can with our possibilities… and I think we’re doing quite well.”

Team Austria thank crowd for support after first win © World Curling / Jeffrey Au

Jentsch brings valuable experience

For this event, the Austrian team brought in the coaching services of experienced skip Daniela Jentsch, who has played in nine world championships for her native Germany.

Talking about what she has brought to the team, she said, “I think what I’ve brought to this team is my experience and my work ethic. I know what it takes to be at this level, and we try to make the most if it.

Daniela Jentsch celebrates with the team © World Curling / Jeffrey Au

Great time in Moose Jaw

“It’s a bit different to what I’m used to, but it’s certainly going well. They are very open to everything that we do.”

However, the last word on the Austrian experience must go to Genner, as he reflects on being in Moose Jaw.

“Everyone has been super-welcoming, super friendly and super supportive. It’s been just a great week and a great experience. The people here have really been great. “

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