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Athlete Spotlight: Kurt Strohmayer

Austria | Vienna Police Service - Retired

Kurt Strohmayer’s Son is Still Riding on the Shoulders of a Giant

The World Police & Fire Games offers great athletic feats and colorful inspiration to all who witness the massive biennial multi-sport event. It has even helped inspire some to become first responders.

When longtime WPFG tennis player Kurt Strohmayer marched into the 1997 Calgary Opening Ceremony with his six-year-old son Erich riding on his shoulders he had no idea how much of an impact it had on the wide-eyed young boy. “I joined the Police Academy 1977 and served at Vienna Police Service as an officer until 2018 with the special unit WEGA,” Kurt says. “My older brother and my uncle also worked as police officers, so I’m proud my son has followed me.”

“When I was allowed to march into the stadium with my father, I was so proud of him, and even prouder when he won medals in tennis,” Erich recalls. “I've joined the police force and now, more than a quarter of a century later, my father and I are together back as athletes at the World Police & Fire Games!”

Erich, now 33, excels at swimming and has won championships in Austria since youth, including achievements as 15-time Viennese champion and three-time Austrian federal police champion. They say it was special when both earned medals when they first competed in the 2023 Games in Winnipeg – Kurt taking Bronze in both tennis singles and doubles, and Erich finding two Gold and three Silver Swimming medals around his neck.

“Swimming is a very healthy sport, and Erich often went swimming with his grandmother as a child,” the father notes. “That's what ultimately led him to club swimming and competing.” Now 62 and retired, Kurt is grateful to overcome physical challenges to return to competition. “I was not able to play after Barcelona in 2003 until 2023 due to two knee surgeries and a shoulder surgery,” he says. 

The pair are excited to travel and participate together again- as first responders and athletes. “It is a great honor to follow in my father's footsteps because he has always been a role model for me both professionally, athletically and personally,” Erich says, then emphatically states, “The story must go on…in Birmingham 2025!”

By Del Moon

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