At the luge world championships in Whistler, British Columbia, it was Germany’s Julia Taubitz who reclaimed her spot atop the women’s podium. In an electrifying second run, Taubitz surged past American Emily Sweeney by just 0.043 seconds to snatch the gold with a total time of 1:17.206. The razor-thin margin made for a heart-pounding finish.
For Taubitz, it marks her second world title and sixth straight singles medal at worlds – a run that includes two golds and four silvers. She narrowly edged out compatriot Merle Fraebel, who took silver in 1:17.247, with Sweeney rounding out the podium in 1:17.249 for bronze.
Germany Dominates the Sliding Events
The luge competition showcased Germany’s continued dominance in the sliding sports. In addition to sweeping the women’s podium, German sleds also took gold and bronze in the men’s doubles event. The surprise champions were Hannes Orlamuender and Paul Gubitz, who posted the fastest times in both heats to upset their World Cup leading teammates Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt. Latvia’s Martins Bots and Roberts Plume managed to sneak in for silver, preventing a German sweep.
Egle and Kipp Defend Women’s Doubles Crown
In the women’s doubles, Austria’s Selina Egle and Lara Kipp successfully defended their world title from last year. They held off the German duo of Jessica Degenhardt and Cheyenne Rosenthal, who settled for silver. The bronze went to another German pair, Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina.
Team USA’s Sweeney Adds to Medal Collection
For the United States, Emily Sweeney’s bronze marks the 23rd world championship medal in USA Luge history and her third individual honor. She previously won singles bronze in 2019 and teamed up with Johnny Gustafson for silver in the mixed doubles competition earlier in these championships. Gustafson became the first American male to medal at worlds since 2009.
“I’m really happy to walk away with a medal,” Sweeney said after her dramatic finish.
Her teammates Ashley Farquharson and Summer Britcher finished sixth and tenth respectively in the women’s singles race. Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby, who won doubles bronze last year, placed fifth this time around.
World Championships Conclude with Men’s Singles, Team Relay
The action from Whistler concludes on Saturday with the men’s singles competition and the team relay, where Germany will look to add to its bounty of medals. For Taubitz, it will be an opportunity to savor her return to the top of the luge world. And for the Americans, a chance to celebrate the success of Sweeney and Gustafson on this Olympic cycle’s biggest stage to date.
