Johannes Reichel starts the Olympic swimming project in Grafenstein!

Johannes Reichel starts the Olympic swimming project in Grafenstein!

On September 17, 2023, the starting signal was given for an exciting new chapter in Carinthia's swimming offerings. Johannes Reichel, the former captain of the EC-KAC, has submitted the submission documents for the new “Olympiabad Carinthia” to the Grafenstein municipal office. Mayor Stefan Deutschmann confirmed this submission and the examination of the documents by the building authority. A spacious 50 x 25 meter pool is planned that will make swimmers' hearts beat faster. The Olympic swimming pool is to be built directly at the train station in Grafenstein - a strategic decision that ensures excellent transport connections and thus promotes widespread use of the new sports focus.

Financing and supporting the project

The investment amount for the new swimming paradise amounts to around 12 million euros. Reichel, who has successfully left his sporting career behind him, works closely with his sister Cäcilia Fenzl-Reichel, who is the managing director of Dr. Reichel – House of Health functions. The project is already enjoying a positive response from former and active top athletes, clubs, companies and private individuals who have pledged support for the project.

Approval process and outlook

As the Kleine Zeitung reports, the city of Klagenfurt commissioned the construction of a new indoor swimming pool on Wednesday. The groundbreaking ceremony for the indoor swimming pool in Klagenfurt is scheduled to take place on October 12th. The success of Reichel's project will be decisively influenced by the official approval process that is now starting in Grafenstein. The property in Grafenstein is dedicated as a commercial area, which doesn't put any obstacles in the way of the idea. Reichel himself is hopeful about constructive discussions with the city and state that will take place in the future.

The local community of Grafenstein would like to support the project, but remains somewhat reserved when it comes to the question of financing and does not offer any financial help. Nevertheless, the project is supported by entrepreneurs and private individuals, which increases the chances of successful implementation. Reichel has already set the ambitious schedule of opening the Olympic swimming pool in 2026; At the same time, Klagenfurt is planning to open its own indoor swimming pool in the first quarter of 2028. Before this OPENING, a trial run with swimming associations and clubs will take place to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Meanwhile, the city of Klagenfurt can also look forward to the planned new leisure area, which will include a family and leisure pool with an additional 25-meter pool. However, Mayor Christian Scheider has appeared unimpressed with Reichel's schedule and ideas, which creates a certain tension between the city's different plans and Reichel's vision. Maybe this will be a good deal for both sides, or could even synergies arise here?

In the meantime, it remains to be seen how the approval process will develop and whether Reichel can actually make the jump with his plans. My district reports on the first steps during Small newspaper keeps an eye on the official progress.
Swimming in Carinthia could soon make completely new waves!