Dominik Fischnaller in focus: The Meransen native is aiming for a medal. © Gio Auletta/Pentaphoto

"I heard them scream": Goosebumps for South Tyrol's lugers

Ahead of the grand final of the luge on Sunday evening (from 6:30 pm), Dominik Fischnaller is on course for a medal – and, like his colleagues, is full of enthusiasm.

February 08, 2026

From Cortina d'Ampezzo

The newly built luge track in Cortina d'Ampezzo has sparked much, sometimes heated, discussion in the run-up to the Games. However, anyone who is in the Olympic town these days can confirm: this ice track exudes charm – especially when illuminated by floodlights under the night sky.

When Dominik Fischnaller and his teammates whiz across this white ice track at high speed in the heart of the quaint winter sports resort of Cortina, it's quite a spectacle. This is partly due to the numerous fans who create a special atmosphere at every turn. Or, as Fischnaller puts it: "I had goosebumps all day today. The atmosphere here is absolutely fantastic; it'll probably be even louder on Sunday."

Dominik Fischnaller in action. © APA/afp / FRANCK FIFE

The star luger from Meransen is in first place after the first two runs. in third place and therefore clearly on course for a medal“I was surprised myself at how well I started in the first run; it was much faster than in training. The second run was also of good quality. The strategy works,” the 32-year-old said, satisfied.

Family and friends are coming for the grand finale

When the grand finale takes place on Sunday at 5 p.m. (3rd run) and 6:30 p.m. (4th and final run), Fischnaller is South Tyrol's great hope for a medal. It would be his second, following his bronze medal in Beijing four years ago. "I'm happy that my family and friends will be here on Sunday," said South Tyrol's best luger.

Leon Felderer is in 5th place. © FELICE CALABRO' / Felice Calabro'

Leon Felderer also has his sights set on a top result, currently sitting in 5th place at the halfway point – although an attack on the medal positions is likely to be difficult. This is one reason why the 26-year-old from Latzfons wasn't satisfied. "I can keep up well with my speed, but the runs themselves weren't great. I made one or two mistakes," said Felderer, who nevertheless intends to go all out on Sunday. The atmosphere also impressed him. "I could hear the people screaming in the turns, a cool feeling."

Gufler enjoys his Olympic appearance

Alex Gufler, on the other hand, is currently in 18th place after two of four runs, but he enjoyed his appearance on the Eugenio Monti track. "There were a lot of people here today. Of course, I'm concentrating on skiing, but you can't help but notice the cheering in every corner. It's amazing. My mom and dad are at the finish line, which made me very happy," said the 23-year-old from Passeier.

Now the motto for South Tyrol's lugers is: get a good night's sleep, gather your strength one last time, and go all out on Sunday evening. Run number 3 starts at 5 p.m., followed by the grand finale at 6:30 p.m.

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