Vociferous fan clubs from Sweden and Belgium mix with former top athletes and local Vorarlberg families with picnic blankets: the Hypo-Meeting is worthwhile experience for one and all.

By 11 am on Saturday, the human yellow wall is up and ready (bluish-yellow to be precise). Magnus Sundin from Stockholm even sports an additional wig in the colour combination of his home country. Along with ten compatriots, he forms the “Yellow Wall,” which can be easily spotted within the stadium thanks to the many glowing t-shirts. Bianca Salming is ready for the 100-metre hurdle race and so are her fans. Like decathlete Frederik Samuelsson, Magnus and his colleagues loudly support her. “This is the second time we’ve travelled to Götzis,” says Sundin. “I arrived from Stockholm on Wednesday, the others on Thursday.” The meagre prospect of their athletes actually finishing atop the podium has done little to dissuade Swedish fans from making the long journey to Vorarlberg: Samuelsson finishes ninth while Salming is 24th. The unique atmosphere and fan proximity to the athletes make this combined event event truly special.

50 fans from Belgium
“This is a great place to soak up the sun and the athletes really enjoy perfect conditions,” says An Vannieuwenhuyse enthusiastically. The 26-year-old Belgian knows what she’s talking about: Before her career as a bobsledder, she was a heptathlete herself: “Here in Götzis it’s great to see that so many spectators come just for the athletes. It’s so different from the big championships.” Belgian fans are strongly represented this year. Around 50 fans are on hand to support of just four compatriots: eventual winner Nafissatou Thiam, Hanne Maudens, Noor Vidts and Niels Pittomvils.

Roman Sebrle is a welcome guest
Though his last appearance was in 2012, Roman Sebrle has returned to Götzis every year as a spectator. Sebrle is still recognised by many fans who ask to take a picture together. His World Record in 2001 still remains an unforgettable – so too does the consistently friendly manner of the former Czech star, who now works as a news presenter for a major TV station in his home country. “Every time I’m here, I notice how much I miss athletics events,” he says while briefly greeting a passing spectator. At the same time, Nafissatou Thiam and Katarina Johnson-Thompson from Great Britain deliver a nail-biting duel in the high jump. With bright sunshine, the audience feverishly joins in on the excitement: Trainers, coaches and local spectators stand shoulder to shoulder. Amidst it all, families have spread out their picnic blankets and some even have tents or small pavilions.

Attractive architecture
On the other side of the Mösle Stadium, Jörg Roos searches for a shady place. His protégé Kai Kazmirek, who won the 2015 competition, was forced to return to Germany at short notice this year because of an injury. Roos remained to enjoy both the competition and the atmosphere: “I often come here regardless of whether there is an athletics event. As an architect, I am quite interested in Vorarlberg timber architecture. Just yesterday I set off with my camera towards Fraxern. In addition to the classic buildings I’m familiar with from books, there are many beautiful single-family homes to admire here.” Roos has a close, friendly relationship with Walter Weber, who makes sure all the top athletes compete in Götzis. In wintertime, they even go skiing together in Damüls.

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