Quick Read
- Felix Loch, a German luge favorite, is in eighth place after two runs at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Loch attributes his struggles to issues with his sled setup at the Cortina Sliding Centre.
- German teammate Max Langenhan leads the men’s singles luge, setting two new track records.
- Langenhan holds a 0.162-second lead over Jonas Müller of Austria.
- Two more runs remain in the competition, offering a chance for racers to improve their standings.
CORTINA (Azat TV) – German luge favorite Felix Loch is navigating an unexpected challenge at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, currently sitting in eighth place after the first two of four runs in the men’s singles event. His setback comes as compatriot Max Langenhan has surged into a commanding lead, setting two new track records and positioning himself for a potential first Olympic medal. This turn of events marks a significant shift, with a seasoned champion struggling while a rising star dominates the early stages of the competition.
Loch’s Disappointing Start in Cortina
Felix Loch, a multiple Olympic gold medalist and a consistent frontrunner with four season victories leading up to these Games, has expressed frustration with his performance at the Cortina Sliding Centre. After two runs, Loch’s combined time places him 0.919 seconds behind the leader, a substantial margin in the high-speed sport of luge. He recorded a start record of 3.497 seconds in his first run, yet errors during the subsequent descent cost him valuable time.
“It wanted for nothing, but it didn’t go,” Loch stated, acknowledging issues with his sled setup. His comments highlight the technical precision required in luge and the fine margins that can separate victory from disappointment, especially on an Olympic stage. His current eighth-place standing represents a significant departure from expectations for a racer widely considered a favorite for the gold medal.
Langenhan’s Record-Setting Performance
In stark contrast to Loch’s struggles, Max Langenhan has delivered an exceptional performance, firmly establishing himself as the man to beat. The German luger posted impressive times of 52.924 seconds in his first run and an even faster 52.902 seconds in his second, both of which are new track records at the Cortina Sliding Centre. Langenhan’s consistent speed and flawless execution have given him a lead of 0.162 seconds over second-place Jonas Müller of Austria.
Langenhan, who boasts six world championship titles and two overall World Cup victories, is now in an prime position to secure his inaugural Olympic medal. His dominance has not only captivated spectators but also underscored the depth of talent within the German luge team, even as one of its most celebrated athletes faces a difficult competition.
The Path Ahead for the Men’s Singles Luge
With two more runs scheduled, the men’s singles luge event remains highly competitive, though Langenhan holds a strong advantage. Jonas Müller is currently in second place, followed by Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller in third, trailing Langenhan by 0.298 seconds. Latvia’s Kristers Aparjods holds fourth place, 0.508 seconds back. Another German competitor, Timon Grancagnolo, is currently in ninth place, 1.018 seconds behind the leader.
For Felix Loch, the remaining runs present a formidable challenge. While a medal might seem distant given his current deficit, the unpredictable nature of luge, where a single mistake can alter standings dramatically, means that recovery is not entirely out of the question. However, he would need near-perfect runs and favorable circumstances to climb significantly in the rankings.
The early stages of the 2026 Olympic luge competition underscore the immense pressure and razor-thin margins that define elite winter sports, demonstrating how even the most decorated athletes can face unforeseen obstacles while new stars rise to the occasion.