This is what medal winners look like, from left: Verena Hofer, Emanuel Rieder, Simon Kainzwaldner, Dominik Fischnaller, Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer. © APA/afp / FRANCK FIFE

All for one: The touching story behind luge bronze

It was the crowning achievement of an absolutely crazy week of luge: The South Tyrolean sledders won the bronze medal in the team relay. Afterwards, our luge stars revealed a touching story.

February 13, 2026

From Cortina d'Ampezzo

They laughed, they joked, they teased each other, they cheered loudly: Yes, the South Tyrolean lugers were in high spirits on Thursday evening. After the team event, after winning the bronze medal to conclude their magnificent Olympic Games, you could practically feel the relaxed atmosphere, the great relief, the heartwarming joy despite the biting cold in the mixed zone of the sliding center.

The South Tyrolean lugers had already exceeded expectations on Wednesday, when they Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer and Emanuel Rieder and Simon Kainzwaldner crowned Olympic champions – and after the Bronze by Dominik Fischnaller and won the second and third precious metals.

Verena Hofer gives a thumbs-up: The luger from Feldthurns has won her medal. © FELICE CALABRO' / Felice Calabro'

On Thursday, the luge races concluded with an encore: bronze in the team event. Although "encore" is perhaps the wrong word. Because Fischnaller, Vötter/Oberhofer, and Rieder/Kainzwaldner had one big goal that evening: to bring home a medal for their teammate Verena Hofer.

Bronze narrowly missed out.

The 24-year-old from Feldthurns was this week became a tragic figure, when she narrowly missed the bronze medal in the singles by just 0,064 seconds, finishing fourth – and then cried bitter tears.

"We wanted to really go all out for Verena." Simon Kainzwaldner

“Verena narrowly missed out on a medal, so we said: We have to give it our all for her one last time,” said Simon Kainzwaldner. Dominik Fischnaller agreed: “Now Verena has her medal – and that means almost everyone on our team has won a medal. That’s really special,” said the star luger from Meransen.

The South Tyroleans won their fourth and final medal. © APA/afp / FRANCK FIFE

And Verena Hofer? She was overjoyed after winning her long-awaited Olympic medal. "I can hardly put into words that it finally worked out. It made me so happy to be able to go with the team. This week was simply amazing. I was on the edge of my seat, I was on the edge of my seat, there were so many emotions. These days will stay with me for a very long time."

The damaged vocal cords

Dominik Fischnaller's joy was not only visible but also audible. His voice was quite hoarse. "I've been shouting so much this week," the 32-year-old said with a laugh. "First after my bronze medal, then during the doubles race, and now with the team. It's been an unforgettable time," said Italy's best luger. His record is outstanding. "Our coach Armin (Zöggeler, ed.) said he wanted three medals. Now it's four," Fischnaller laughed.

The jubilation after the bronze medal was immense. © APA/afp / FRANCK FIFE

His bronze medal in the first race was a game-changer. "It certainly helped to take some pressure off and give the others an extra dose of motivation. From sleepless nights to overwhelming emotions – it was all there during those days."

Now we can finally celebrate!

Following their magnificent successes, the South Tyrolean luge stars had a packed schedule in recent days. A quick trip to Casa Italia, a quick meeting with the President, a quick doping control – and then back to the Olympic Village as quickly as possible, because there were still competitions to be held. That's all over now.

"You'll hardly believe it, but Marion is our party girl." Verena Hofer

“Today we can finally go out and celebrate!” Kainzwaldner declared, setting the tone for the party evening, which was to begin at Casa Italia. Only one question remained: Who was the party animal of the team? “You won’t believe it,” said Verena Hofer with a broad grin, “but Marion is our party girl. She can really let loose.” Marion Oberhofer couldn’t help but smile at this – then the lugers headed out into their final Olympic evening! They had truly become heroes during these past few days.