“Work as professionally as possible”
Winter sports star no longer shakes hands
12/11/2025 – 3:53 p.mReading time: 1 min.
The Austrian Johannes Lamparter has dominated the Nordic Combined World Cup so far. He leaves nothing to chance when it comes to success.
Four World Cup starts, three victories: Johannes Lamparter is in strong early form. The Austrian gives everything for success – not least with a view to his big goal: the Olympics.
“I try to stay grounded, my environment helps me,” said the 24-year-old in an interview with “Today”. His role model: Roger Federer – “an incredible character despite his gigantic successes”. To ensure success, Lamparter plays it safe, even in small things. “For example, I don’t shake hands. I want to minimize any risk of getting sick,” said the 2022 double world champion. During the season, he also completely abstains from alcohol – which not everyone would understand: “Some people admire it, others talk stupidly.” However, if he were to win three gold medals at the Olympics, he would “treat himself to a beer too.”
In Beijing 2022, Lamparter finished fourth twice. “It’s not nice, I don’t want to experience that anymore.” The Olympics are the big goal, even if he emphasizes: “If it doesn’t work, the world won’t end either.”