The election of athletes of the year has a long tradition in South Tyrol, and in the 36th edition of the Dolomites-Sports Awards, there was a first: Evelin Lanthaler became the first natural track luger to be crowned Sportswoman of the Year.

Holding the trophy: Evelin Lanthaler

Merano (FIL/08.04.2024) There were 25 men, 17 women, 6 teams, and 6 coaches to choose from, with a total of around 170,000 reader votes cast. On Friday evening, the athletes of the year for 2023 were honored at the magnificent Kursaal in Meran/Merano (ITA). Among the women, Evelin Lanthaler won the coveted award with over 19,000 votes, ahead of biathlete Dorothea Wierer (14,500) and volleyball player Raphaela Folie (8,600). "I can hardly believe it, I really didn't expect this. I am absolutely thrilled with the title," said Lanthaler after the award ceremony.

But that wasn't the only shining moment for natural track: The now retired world champion Alex Gruber was honored for his lifetime achievement, while overall World Cup winner Patrick Pigneter (2,200) finished sixth just behind Dominik Fischnaller (2,230) from artificial track luge. The victory went to tennis ace Jannik Sinner with a record of nearly 55,000 votes. In the Team of the Year category, the artificial track doubles luge team Andrea Vötter/Marion Oberhofer took second place behind FC South Tyrol.