Ho Ho Ho! A paraglider races over the Carinthian Simonhöhe in a Christmas costume, with a pointed hat and a mighty beard – brimming with presents. Who’s the man? A professional white water canoeist, vice European champion and Olympic 13th. from Rio 2016 – who specially rehearsed the stunt for the “Krone”.
Santa Claus lives at the North Pole. Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that? He comes from Carinthia – more precisely from Glanegg. And bring the gifts from the Simonhöhe! Not with sleighs and reindeer, but as a paraglider.
So many walkers and onlookers were amazed recently when a man in a Santa suit with a long beard and pointed hat flew far over St. Urban in the freezing cold. Dropping packages, shouting “Ho Ho Ho”…
Who was that? Mario Leitner, actually a professional whitewater canoeist, vice-European extreme slalom champion – but also a passionate paraglider. “I hope I brought the gifts to all households,” laughed Mario, who rehearsed this strange stunt especially for the “Krone”.
Learning to fly from daddy
From an early age, Leitner is not only in the kayak boat, but also regularly opens the paraglider. “My dad let me fly when I was a kid, and I’ve been doing it more intensively for three years now,” says the 13th Olympic athlete. of Rio2016.
80 km flights
Its longest flight path stretched over 80 km, from Mirnock to Simonhöhe. “Everything is calculated professionally, I never take risks,” emphasizes the 25-year-old, who also likes extreme things in a pedal boat – and plunging into huge waterfalls.
And Mario’s personal Christmas wish? “To qualify for the 2024 Olympics in the new year.” If he succeeds, he can fly again – but in an airplane. To Paris.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
