Liechtenstein's Biker at Paris 2024

In a memorable moment at the Paris Olympic Games, tennis star Andy Murray sought to expand his collection of Olympic pins, leading him to meet Romano Puntener, the sole athlete representing Liechtenstein. The 20-year-old mountain biker was surprised to encounter Murray during a casual bike ride through the Olympic Village. Puntener expressed his astonishment at meeting such a renowned athlete and learning about the significance of pin trading at the Olympics, which he had previously underestimated. Puntener, who traveled with a small team including a manager and mechanic, quickly found himself immersed in the Olympic experience. He noted that the Swiss team welcomed him, providing companionship in the vast Olympic Village. The young athlete remarked on the newfound attention he received, stating that his participation in the Games had elevated his profile, even catching the interest of Liechtenstein's Prime Minister, Daniel Risch, who attended his race and later shared a lunch with him. The atmosphere during the men’s mountain bike race was electric, particularly as a French competitor led for much of the event. Puntener credited the enthusiastic crowd for motivating him to push harder during the race. He reflected on the inspiration drawn from meeting prominent athletes like Murray, emphasizing that their down-to-earth nature made him believe in the possibility of achieving similar success in the future.