Italy has struck gold in women’s doubles luge at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina! Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer delivered a historic performance, securing the top spot on the podium at the Cortina Sliding Centre on February 11th.
The Italian duo finished ahead of Germany’s Magdalena Matschina and Dajana Eitberger, and Austria’s Selina Egle and Lara Michaela Kipp. This victory marks the second Olympic medal for Italy in luge at these Games, following Dominik Fischnaller’s bronze in the men’s singles event on February 8th. It’s also the 20th Olympic medal in the history of Italian luge.
Vötter and Oberhofer set the pace with the fastest time in the first run and then extended their lead in the second, finishing with a total time of 1’46″284 – a mere tenth of a second ahead of the German team. The win is particularly significant as women’s doubles luge is a new event at these Winter Olympics.
The success continues a strong showing for Italian luge, and adds to the excitement surrounding the Games. Technical director Armin Zöggeler, himself an Olympic gold medalist in 2006, celebrated the victory. The last Italian Olympic gold in women’s luge came from Gerda Weissensteiner in 1994.
Italy’s medal count now stands at twelve: three gold, two silver, and seven bronze, placing them 8th in the overall medal standings. There’s also hope for further success in luge, with the men’s doubles team of Emanuel Rieder and Simon Kainzwaldner competing later on February 11th.
This gold medal is a testament to determination and skill, according to reports. The victory for Vötter and Oberhofer underscores Italy’s strength in the sport and sets a high bar for competition as the Games continue.
