The biggest weekend in luge has kicked off in Whistler, Canada, the same track used for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. World championships are here, and for many athletes, it’s a crucial event.
For American lugers, this weekend is all about winning medals. They have a real shot across three different events. But there’s another goal on their minds—February 2026, when the next Olympic sliding races will take place. The location is still uncertain, either in Italy or at the USA Luge’s home track in Lake Placid, New York.
Summer Britcher, a three-time Olympic slider, shared, “The Olympics is my focus. I see every World Cup and world championships as a way to prepare for the Olympics. They help me work on my skills and equipment.”
Germany is leading the pack with 44 medals in World Cup races this season, seven more than Austria. Latvia follows with 11, while the U.S. sits in fourth with nine. The American team’s standout performers include Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby, who have already won four medals in doubles and contributed to relay successes. They are likely to make their Olympic debut next year.
On a team full of experienced athletes, the youthful energy of Forgan and Kirkby shines. They bring excitement to every race, often showing off sparkly faces on race days. “We try to remind ourselves to have fun, even when things get tough. This season has been our best so far, and we love what we do,” Forgan said, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey.
The championships feature various events, including mixed doubles and mixed singles on Thursday, followed by men’s and women’s doubles and singles on Friday. The event will wrap up on Saturday with the men’s singles and a team relay.
The team relay has become a highlight for the U.S. squad. It combines the strengths of men’s singles, women’s singles, women’s doubles, and men’s doubles. “Being part of Team USA is at the core of what we do,” said Emily Sweeney. “The way we come together during the relays is truly special.”
This championship is a significant step towards the Olympics, and for many athletes, it’s a time to shine and showcase their hard work.
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2024 Paris Olympic Games, Sports, Olympic games, Luge, Article, 118533164
