This is how Olympic champions shine. Andrea Vötter (left) and Marion Oberhofer. © FELICE CALABRO' / Felice Calabro'

Vötter, Oberhofer and a special thank you in gold

A gold medal at the Olympics: It doesn't get any better for a luge athlete. Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer made history yesterday. And afterwards, they were visibly struggling to find the words.

February 12, 2026

From Cortina d'Ampezzo

Racing director Armin Zöggeler leapt onto the track in a state of utter elation, Andrea Vötter's boyfriend Kevin Fischnaller (former luger and cousin of Dominik Fischnaller) wept uncontrollably, and finally, there was a jubilant huddle of women in white suits, beneath which the two gold medal heroines were hidden. At 7:13 p.m., Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer's Olympic victory became a reality. When the two finally entered the mixed zone, one phrase kept slipping from their lips: "I'm simply speechless." A gold medal at the Olympics – it doesn't get any better than that for a luge athlete.

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“When we decided to compete in doubles four years ago, one thing was clear to us: we wanted to compete in the Olympics at home. Now we're standing here with the gold medal. It's unbelievable,” said a completely euphoric Vötter. The 30-year-old from Völs, who now lives with her boyfriend Kevin in Meransen, didn't hide the fact that it hadn't always been easy. “We won the overall World Cup in our first season, but after that there were also times when things didn't go smoothly. We worked hard, and this is the reward.”

Remembering the luge legend

Marion Oberhofer competed in her first Olympic race yesterday – and promptly became Olympic champion. Afterwards, the 25-year-old from Rodeneck shared a charming anecdote. "The person who introduced me to luge as a child was Gerda Weißensteiner," said Oberhofer, who is now following in the footsteps of her first coach. Weißensteiner was the last South Tyrolean luger to win an Olympic medal – that was in 1994 in Lillehammer. "After training, Gerda always gave me a small chocolate as a reward; it's my favorite treat," Oberhofer added with a smile.

After their gold-medal run, Oberhofer (right) and Vötter (center) took a selfie with President Sergio Mattarella. © ANSA / Paolo Giandotti

Before Vötter and Oberhofer proceeded to the grand victory ceremony, Andrea wanted to say something: "I dedicate this Olympic victory to my parents, our team, and all those who made it possible for us to have a luge track here. This gold is a small thank you to you all!"