Julia Taubitz from Germany has claimed the title of women’s singles luge world champion for the second time. In a thrilling final run, she managed to surpass Emily Sweeney from the U.S. on Friday night.
Taubitz completed her two runs in an impressive time of 1 minute, 17.206 seconds. This victory marks her sixth consecutive medal in singles events at the world championships, which includes two golds and four silvers.
After her win, Taubitz expressed her excitement but also showed compassion for Sweeney. “I’m feeling really excited, but I’m so sorry for Emily,” she said. “It’s so tight here and Emily had a really good run. Any of us can be at the top.”
Merle Fraebel, also from Germany, finished in second place with a time of 1:17.247. Emily Sweeney, who led after the first run, took third with a time of 1:17.249. This medal is a significant achievement for Sweeney, marking her third championship medal after winning bronze in 2019 and a silver in mixed singles just the day before.
“I’m really happy to walk away with a medal,” Sweeney stated after the event. Following her, Ashley Farquharson from the U.S. came in sixth, and Summer Britcher finished in tenth.
Sweeney’s accomplishment brings the total U.S. medals in luge world championships to 23, including four in women’s singles. Erin Hamlin was the first American woman to win gold in singles at Lake Placid in 2009.
In the men’s doubles, Hannes Orlamuender and Paul Gubitz took the title, showing outstanding performance across both heats. They were followed by Latvia’s Martins Bots and Roberts Plume in second, while Germany’s dominant duo Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt secured third place. This marks the tenth consecutive world championships where Wendl and Arlt have earned a medal.
In the women’s doubles, Austria’s Selina Egle and Lara Kipp defended their title successfully. Germany’s Jessica Degenhardt and Cheyenne Rosenthal earned the silver, with their compatriots Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina taking bronze. Meanwhile, U.S. bronze medalists Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby finished fifth.
The excitement continues with the men’s singles race and team relay taking place on Saturday, wrapping up the thrilling world championships.
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