The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina recently has officially opened. For the athletes of USA Women’s Luge, the season kickoff represents more than just a return to competition.
While traditional powerhouses Germany and Austria flexed their muscles early, taking the top spots in recent World Cup events, the American squad made a strategic calculation. USA Luge opted to skip the Winterberg World Cup races, deciding instead to leverage home-ice advantage by training in Lake Placid and Park City.
This decision underscores the pressure to perform when the circuit arrives in Utah, as the Americans look to maximize points on familiar curves before the January 12, 2026 nomination deadline.
Women’s Singles
In the world of women’s luge, few stories are as compelling as that of Emily Fischnaller. A two-time Olympian and bronze medalist at last February’s World Championships, Fischnaller has deep personal ties to the host nation, having married Italian luger Dominik Fischnaller in May. Her experience is vital for a U.S. squad looking to capitalize on her momentum. She is joined by three-time Olympian Summer Britcher and 2022 Olympian Ashley Farquharson, giving the U.S. a trio of sliders capable of cracking the top ten on any given weekend.
The depth of the American field in women’s luge is a significant asset heading into the qualification window. While Germany’s Natalie Geisenberger has historically dominated the sport, the American women have shown resilience. Farquharson finished seventh overall last season, and Britcher secured four top-ten finishes, proving that the U.S. women are within striking distance of the podium if they can master the nuances of the Cortina track.
Women’s Doubles
The 2026 Games mark the Olympic debut for women’s doubles, and Team USA has emerged as a legitimate medal threat. The duo of Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby has rapidly ascended the ranks, capturing a bronze medal at the 2024 World Championships and finishing third overall in the World Cup standings. Their partnership is built on years of shared experience and a refined technical approach to the sled.
This chemistry is essential, as the pair holds the U.S. standard for reaction starts. Alongside the rising team of Maya Chan and Sophia Gordon, the U.S. is poised to be a dominant force in this inaugural Olympic event.
Key Events on the Road to Milan Cortina 2026
Road to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games:
- Nov. 2025: Olympic Test Event, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy (Completed)
- Dec. 6-7, 2025: World Cup, Winterberg, Germany (USA Luge did not compete)
- Dec. 12-13, 2025: World Cup, Park City, Utah
- Dec. 19-20, 2025: World Cup, Lake Placid, N.Y.
- Jan. 3-4, 2026: World Cup, Sigulda, Latvia
- Jan. 10-11, 2026: World Cup, Winterberg, Germany
- Jan. 12, 2026: Official announcement of USA Luge 2026 Olympic Team nominees
- Jan. 17-18 & 24-25, 2026: World Cup, Oberhof, Germany
- Feb. 6-22, 2026: Winter Olympic Games, Milan Cortina, Italy
2022 Luge Medal Summary
- Women’s Singles
- Gold: Natalie Geisenberger (GER)
- Silver: Anna Berreiter (GER)
- Bronze: Tatiana Ivanova (ROC)
- Doubles
- Gold: Tobias Wendl / Tobias Arlt (GER)
- Silver: Toni Eggert / Sascha Benecken (GER)
- Bronze: Thomas Steu / Lorenz Koller (AUT)
