22nd January 2010 10:54
In the fifth in a series of profiles of the national winners of the inaugural Women's Leadership Awards, European Athletics speaks to Austria's Sonja Spendelhofer.
When Sonja Spendelhofer was a child, she would head to the local athletics club with her sister. Those trips were the first steps into a lifetime committed to the sport, during which she has worked in many roles on a local and national level in Austria.
Spendelhofer says she finds her personal inspiration from interaction with others in the sport. 'Athletics and sports in general had a lot of positive effects of my life. With my engagement on different levels I want to give something back,' she said recently.
'I like to interact with other people, especially with my friends. To collaborate and to co-determinate the future of sports and athletics are also two important aspects for me.'
Throughout her career, Spendelhofer has come up against barriers working in the sport as a woman, but credits her personal network in helping her reach her goals.
'I have received support as an athlete and later as a coach and functionary from my club, from the sports-for-all organisation ASKOE and from the Austrian Athletic Federation. I started to build up my own network very early, which was really important along the way. Mentors (both male and female) played an important role too.'
Although she may have encountered certain obstacles as a woman, Spendelhofer does not believe her path was any more challenging than that of a male. 'I don't see any special issues for women in sport. Men and women should have the same issues in sports.'
The Austrian continues to contribute to the cause of women in sport. She currently serves as a board member of the Austrian Athletic Federation as a leader of the sports commission and the person responsible for women and sport issues.
'We co-ordinate different events and courses for women and young female leaders and coaches all over Austria,' Spendelhofer says.
Spendelhofer has clear idea on how different bodies can help to promote women in sport.
'In my mind international and national bodies should offer education courses for women to promote their specific knowledge and their soft skills.
'Institutions and especially media can support women in sports through showcasing role models. For that reason campaigns and awards like the Women's Leadership Award are really important to raise awareness.'
Spendelhofer is confident the position of women in sports will continue to improve.
'In my mind the position of women in our sports - especially in the management field - will increase continuously.'