Dominik Fischnaller has big plans this winter. © Hermann Sobe

Fischnaller calls for attack: “I have changed a lot”

South Tyrolean luge star Dominik Fischnaller has, as he himself says, had "one of the worst seasons of his career". But that is all water under the bridge. He wants to get back to the top of the World Cup with new methods.

21 November 2024

A year and a half ago, Fischnaller put on the long-awaited crown: he was the celebrated overall World Cup winner. But as soon as the crystal globe was in the trophy cabinet at home, things went downhill for the model athlete. The super season was followed by seventh place in the overall World Cup, and he has now been waiting for a win for almost two years.

However, Fischnaller is and remains Italy’s great hope for the 2026 Olympics. How he deals with this and how he wants to climb back up the World Cup, the 31-year-old from Meransen has SportNews revealed in the following short interview.

Dominik Fischnaller wants to strike back in the ice channel. © Hermann Sobe

Dominik Fischnaller, how did you spend the long summer break?

"First, I worked through the last disappointing season and then tried to change things around. First, I made small changes to the sled and then I revised my training plan. In recent years, I spent large parts of my preseason training with my fiancée in the USA. This year, I decided not to do that and instead trained with my teammates in Europe."


You mentioned your fiancée, US luger Emily Sweeney. When is the wedding planned?

"We got engaged last May and would like to get married in South Tyrol next year. We don't know exactly where or when yet. We are currently building our own house in Meransen, which is our priority at the moment. That is also why I have spent a lot of time at home in the last few months. I have trained a lot in the weight room and on the runway in Meransen, and there were also camps in Lillehammer, Sigulda and Altenberg."

“It looks like I’m allowed to do the homologation of the Olympic track.” Dominik Filehner

In the future, travel is likely to decrease as the Olympic track in Cortina is nearing completion.

"Yes, exactly, this is a milestone for Italian bobsleigh and luge. It looks like I'll be able to take part in the homologation of the ice track in Cortina in the spring. That's a huge honour for me. I'll be the first single-seater to drive this track. An Olympic track at that!"


Before that, however, the World Cup is scheduled. How do you feel about travelling to the opening race in Lillehammer next week?

"With a very good feeling. Basically, I like the track in Lillehammer, I've always felt comfortable here. I think we've done our homework and are ready to start the season. Now I'm excited to see where we stand compared to the top nations."