Summer Britcher won the women’s singles luge race in Sigulda, Latvia. This victory was her second World Cup win of the season. As a result, she moved into first place in the overall World Cup standings. The race also served as preparation for the Milan Cortina Olympics next month.
Britcher posted a combined time of 1 minute 23.840 seconds over two runs. Austria’s Lisa Schulte finished in second place, while Germany’s Julia Taubitz took third. Britcher entered the second heat in third position before rallying to win. The event followed a two-run format over two days.
This win marked Britcher’s seventh career World Cup singles victory. She extended the all-time USA Luge record for women’s singles wins. Despite missing one race this season, Britcher now leads the standings. USA Luge skipped the opening event in Winterberg because it did not count toward Olympic qualification.
Britcher has a chance to become the first American to win the overall World Cup singles title. All previous USA Luge overall champions have competed in men’s doubles. Four Americans have won season-long titles in that discipline.
Ashley Farquharson finished fifth for the United States. Emily Fischnaller lost control late in her run and did not finish, but she walked away without visible injury. Britcher and Farquharson remain on track for Olympic selection. The final Olympic qualifying races will take place next weekend in Winterberg.
Britcher also earned a bronze medal in the team relay. Austria won the relay event, while Latvia finished second. The U.S. team included Britcher, Jonny Gustafson, Zach DiGregorio, Sean Hollander, Chevonne Forgan, and Sophia Kirkby.
In women’s bobsled competition at Winterberg, Germany swept the podium. Laura Nolte won the race, Lisa Buckwitz finished second, and Kim Kalicki placed third. Kaillie Humphries Armbruster finished fourth for the United States.
Germany also swept the men’s four-man bobsled event. Francesco Friedrich won, Johannes Lochner finished second, and Adam Ammour placed third. The three sleds were separated by just 0.06 seconds.
Felix Loch won the men’s singles luge race, marking his 55th career victory. USA Luge plans to announce its Olympic team around January 12.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/bobsled-luge-skeleton-olympics-0d10b1fa56b21e9ecf320fd73c4acc4b