Dominik Filehner: “Tobogganing is my hobby, not a job”

Dominik Filehner, how is the preparation for the World Cup season going? “I had to miss last week due to a bad cold, but otherwise everything is going according to plan. We did a lot of athletic training, but we were also on ice for several weeks. Now I have a few more months to reach my absolute best.”

Last season you were denied a win. Does that still bother you? “No, that’s over. The season was somewhat okay. Although I achieved three podium finishes, I also often ended up in seventh to tenth place. My goal for next winter must be to avoid these positions and to consistently be in the top 6.”

Dominik Filehner raced past a victory last season, but ended up on the podium several times. © Sobe Hermann

What do you need to compete for victory in every race? “An ice channel (laughs). Seriously: Since there is no track in Italy, we have a huge handicap. Other nations can test much more and therefore have a major material advantage. If you consider that Germany has four tracks available for training purposes alone, that is an enormous difference. With the 2026 Olympics, this problem should finally be solved.”

“I will work towards the 2026 Olympics for the next seven years” Speaking of the 2026 Olympics: you will be 33 years old then. “If I stay healthy, it will certainly be a really big deal that I want to enjoy to the fullest. For every athlete, a home Olympics is the greatest thing. I will work towards this long-term goal for the next seven years.”

An immediate goal, on the other hand, should be the World Cup in Sochi next winter, right? "Exactly. Russia suits me really well. The train suits me, the facility is very nice and the people there are very friendly. None of this counts at the World Cup, it's all about medals. That has to be my claim too.”

“I can’t compare myself with Armin Zöggeler” Armin Zöggeler is someone who has won countless World Cup medals. Does the constant comparison with him bother you? “No, that’s not a particular pressure for me. His achievements are enormous and unattainable. That's why I can't compare myself with Armin. If I want to become world champion, it’s not because Armin was in the past, but solely because I want to realize my own dreams.”

In the following video, Dominik Filehner provides insights into the life of a professional tobogganer and reveals which competitors he learns from.

Questions: Alexander Foppa

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Dominik Filehner: “Tobogganing is my hobby, not a job”

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