Patrick Baumgartner is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Greta Passler.

Olympics and love: Patrick Baumgartner plans big things

The 2026 Olympics are just around the corner: Patrick Baumgartner aims to compete for medals in Cortina next February. The Pustertal native is Italy's best bobsleigh pilot and has ambitious goals for the coming months – both athletically and personally. We chatted with the 30-year-old in detail.

26 May 2025

From: dl

Since 2014, Patrick Baumgartner has been in the thick of the bobsleigh world cup, not just a part of it. The Palatinate native has also been on the podium in the four-man bobsleigh and is Italy's figurehead in a "niche or fringe sport," as Baumgartner himself put it in an interview with SportNews titled.

With the construction of the track in Cortina, Baumgartner has fulfilled a lifelong dream. This gives the pilot and his drivers not only a track to train on, but also a true home track for the 2026 Olympic Games right on their doorstep. From his home in the Puster Valley, he drives to Cortina in just over an hour. "The motivation is enormous," explains Baumgartner.

Patrick Baumgartner with pusher Robert Mircea in the two-man bobsleigh. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

He's currently completing numerous training sessions on the track in Reischach, and in Bruneck, he's working out in the weight room. "A lot of it is like sprint training on the track. Most of the time, we have to cover distances of up to 40 meters as quickly as possible," says the 1,88-meter-tall athlete. At just under 100 kilograms, he brings the ideal blend of strength and explosiveness for the bobsleigh start.

Bobsleigh: A science of its own

The first joint training camp with the national team will begin in June. In addition to sprints and endurance, the focus will also be on technique, starting routines, and perfect team coordination. "In the weight room, we specifically train our legs and upper body – for a good start, which is crucial in bobsleigh."

Baumgartner feels particularly comfortable in the four-man bobsleigh: "I have more strengths there. The start is extremely important; the four-man bobsleigh is harder and longer than the two-man bobsleigh." As a pilot, he has to jump into the sled first at the start and assume the perfect seating position. "Then it's all up to me – I have to be compact and steady, and I have to hit the chute perfectly."

Patrick Baumgartner (front) leads the way as the steerer. © APA / MADDIE MEYER

Speeds of up to 150 km/h are not uncommon on the ice track. Baumgartner has now familiarized himself with the new Olympic track in Cortina and is enthusiastic about it: "Even though we've only had about 50 runs there, each run brings more safety. The upper section is similar to the one on the old track. Small mistakes are punished in Cortina." Therefore, surprises are possible at the 2026 Olympics. Baumgartner also has the home advantage on his side.

“The motivation for the home Olympics is huge” Patrick Baumgarntner

For the Olympics, the FISI is providing him with a new four-man bobsleigh. According to Baumgartner, who belongs to a sports group and is supported by local sponsors, the total cost is around 100.000 euros. It will be manufactured in Austria and should be ready by fall at the latest. "It requires a lot of work and expertise—rebuilding, adjusting, testing new setups," says Baumgartner.

After the home Olympics comes the wedding

Baumgartner's path into bobsleighing began in 2010 with the Huber brothers, Günther and Arnold. "I came to Innsbruck by chance – just to try it out. I loved it right away," he recalls. Before that, he was a passionate skier. Besides sports, Patrick Baumgartner loves the Pustertal Valley, his hometown. "Cycling, paddle tennis, mountain hikes – the landscape here is simply beautiful," he enthuses.

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Baumgartner has been together with Greta Passler, the sister of biathlete Rebecca, for around eight years. The two are now engaged. If all goes according to plan, they will marry after the Olympic Games. After this year's season ended, Baumgartner and his Greta traveled to Croatia for a few days. "The big vacation will have to wait this year, though, because my full focus is on the Olympics," explains the powerhouse.

Patrick Baumgartner relaxing at Lake Antholz.

His daily routine is structured: breakfast, then two hours of training on the track and field. Lunch is followed by a rest period before the second session in the afternoon – again around two hours. Cooking is also part of his responsibilities. One thing is certain: Patrick Baumgartner leaves nothing to chance when it comes to achieving his ambitious goals.