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Christoph Seifriedsberger (b), Ferdinand Querfeld, Gabriel Hohensasser, Rudolph Querfeld (s), Men's Four, Austria, 2021 World Rowing Final Olympic Qualification Regatta, Lucerne, Switzerland
Christoph Seifriedsberger – photo by Zach Franzen


Following a serious accident while on training camp in Sabaudia, Italy, Austrian rower Christoph Seifriedsberger has passed away on Friday, 6 January.

The 26 year-old Vienna native had been biking with the Austrian team when an oncoming car crossed the road into them. Seifriedsberger suffered fatal injuries.

Christoph had been competing internationally with the Austrian team since 2012, when he raced the Men’s Four at the World Rowing Junior Championships.

His last competition was the 2022 World Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic, where he finished 12th in the Men’s Pair.

Throughout his career, he competed in both the Men’s Pair and Men’s Fours, and picked up three medals:

  • Bronze – 2014 World Rowing Junior Championships, Men’s Pair
  • Gold – 2016 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, Men’s Four
  • Bronze – 2017 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, Men’s Four

In addition to rowing, Seifriedsberger also had a passion for cycling.

Christoph had recently completed his studies at the University of California Berkeley, where he followed a course in Political Economy with a minor in City Planning.

An advocate for mental health, Christoph was open to speaking about his own struggles, and how seeking help aided him.

World Rowing wishes to extend its condolences to the Seifriedsberger family, the Austrian Rowing Federation, and all rowing fans around the world.