BRONZE: Dominik Filehner wins South Tyrol’s first medal!

“Bäääääm,” he shouted into the TV camera. When Dominik Filehner crossed the finish line in the fourth and final race on Sunday and took the interim lead, it was clear: the artificial track luger from Meransen was guaranteed a medal. In the end it was bronze – the 28-year-old was extremely happy about it.

Fischler only had to admit defeat to the two outstanding tobogganers at these Winter Games: gold went to the overall World Cup winner Johannes Ludwig (Germany), silver to the reigning European champion Wolfgang Kindl (Austria). These two were already in the lead after the first three races and were uncatchable for Fischnelller. The South Tyrolean therefore fought against the two-time single-seater Olympic champion Felix Loch and the Latvian Kristers Aparjods for the bronze medal, which he also grabbed in the end. Turbulent days for the tobogganers It's safe to say that bronze shines like gold this time. Because the last few days have been tough. On Friday, Dominik's cousin Kevin Fiwickeler tested positive for Corona, so the tobogganers began to tremble. Fortunately, there were no further positive test results, which is why Dominik was allowed to start.

The winner's podium: Kindl, Ludwig and Filehner (from left). © APA/afp / DANIEL MIHAILESCU

The 28-year-old was in strong form in the first three races and was in third place before the fourth, all-important race. With a lot of coolness, a healthy dose of nerve and all his driving skills, he brought his lead to the finish and was in the lead for a while. The fact that “Fisch” was then relegated to third place by Ludwig and Kindl did not diminish the great joy. 4 years ago, 2 thousandths of a second were missing Fischnitzer truly deserves this medal. Four years ago in Pyeongchang he missed bronze by a paltry two thousandths of a second (that's less than the blink of an eye). It was one of the most difficult moments of his career. Now he has rewarded himself.

The Meransener is following – at least a little bit – in the footsteps of his current coach and toboggan legend Armin Zöggeler. He won the bronze medal in Sochi in 2014 - it was his sixth medal at the Olympics and the last top-3 placement by a South Tyrolean skid racer at the most important winter sports event in the world. Until 8 years later Dominik Fischnelller came onto the scene. His masterpiece has another sweet aftertaste: This is the first Olympic medal for South Tyrol at the Games in Beijing.

Another South Tyrolean, Leon Felderer, was in action on Sunday. The Latzfonser took 11th place and thus made a strong statement at his first Olympic Games. Men's single seater, final result Pos Name Country Time 1. John Ludwig GER 3.48,735 min 2. Wolfgang Kindl TUE +0,160 3. Dominik Filehner ITA/Meransen +0,951 4. Felix Loch GER +1,143 5. Kristers Aparjods LAT +1,318 6. Max Langenhan GER +1,357 7. Gints Berzins LAT +1,438 8. Chris Mazdzer USA +2,642 9. Roman Repilov ROCK, THE CAT +2,899 10. Semen Pavlichenko ROCK, THE CAT +2,914 11. Leon Felderer ITA/Latzfons +3,105

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BRONZE: Dominik Filehner wins South Tyrol’s first medal!

Simply outstanding: Dominik Filehner reached the highlight of his career so far on Sunday and won the bronze medal at the Olympics. The first South Tyrolean precious metal at the games has been secured!

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