Olympia: Max Langenhan Earns Painful Gold for Germany
Max Langenhan achieved a remarkable milestone for Germany at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Cortina. The 26-year-old luger claimed the gold medal in the singles event, making him the first German Olympian to win a gold medal in these games.
Historic Performance at Cortina 2026
Langenhan’s success was built on a series of impressive runs. He set a new track record in each of his first three runs. Notably, in his initial run, he became the first competitor to break the 53-second barrier on this particular track.
- First Run: Langenhan set a record time, clocking in under 53 seconds.
- Second and Third Runs: He further improved his own record.
- Final Run: He finished with an extraordinary time of 52.660 seconds, marking his fourth consecutive track record.
His performance in the final round solidified his lead, as he finished with almost three-tenths of a second to spare. Following his victory, Langenhan celebrated with a unique fishing gesture, demonstrating his excitement.
Overcoming Adversity
Incredibly, Langenhan almost withdrew from the competition due to severe neck pain. The night before the event, he struggled to sleep and woke up unable to move. With the help of dedicated physiotherapists, he was able to participate despite still feeling discomfort on the day of the final runs.
Medal Standings
The silver medal was claimed by Austria’s Jonas Müller, who was viewed as Langenhan’s primary rival. Müller’s training under German luge legend Georg Hackl has proven effective, positioning him well against competitors. Italian luger Dominik Fischnaller took home the bronze medal.
Mixed Emotions for Felix Loch
Felix Loch, a seasoned competitor and two-time Olympic champion, faced a disappointing finish. He struggled in the first run and ultimately placed sixth.
After his final run, Loch expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is frustrating; it just wasn’t meant to be.” Despite his hardships, the Olympic spirit remained strong among the athletes and their supporters.
As the games continue, Langenhan’s triumph not only brings glory to Germany but also highlights the resilience and determination required at such a high level of competition.
