Max Langenhan’s win in the men’s singles luge at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Sunday (8 February) laid the foundation for another potential German sweep in the sliding sport at these Milano Cortina Games.
The luge and Germany are practically synonymous as the dominant force in the sport since its inception at Innsbruck 1964.
Four years ago, Germany went home with the complete set of luge gold medals – men’s singles, women’s singles, and doubles. The luge powerhouse won all four gold medals on offer previously when the mixed relay made its debut at Sochi 2014.
Langenham, the reigning world champion, set Germany’s bid for another medal sweep in motion, claiming gold with track records in all four runs for a combined winning time of 3:31.191. He edged Austria’s Jonas Mueller (3:31.787) into second place, with local hero Dominik Fischnaller retaining his bronze medal, clocking 3:32.125.
Langenhan highlighted his appetite for the big moment. The six-time world champion has stepped onto the podium at every World Cup this season without reaching the top step. But the 26-year-old delivered on the two most important days to become the Olympic champion.
“Winning a medal and putting a medal around your neck is the biggest honour, and to be here with these two guys is the biggest thing that could ever happen to me,” Langenhan said after his victory.
“When I saw the result, I was so happy. I have the best fans in the world here, it’s an absolute dream. I’ve got to know so many great people in the sport.”