Chevonne Forgan & Sophia Kirkby – America's hope in women's doubles:
“We're making history – and enjoying every second of it!”

Lake Placid (FIL/June 27, 2025) When Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby stand at the start of the brand-new Olympic track in Cortina d'Ampezzo on February 11, 2026, a dream will come true – not just for them, but for a whole generation of young women in luge. The 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina will mark the Olympic debut of the women's doubles event.

For the duo Forgan/Kirkby, it is more than just a sporting goal – it is a personal milestone, emotionally charged with memories, losses, successes, and a shared determination: “We want to pave the way for the next generation. To be a part of the first Olympics with women's doubles would be such a special accomplishment,” says Chevonne Forgan, the front woman in the sled.

The 24-year-old from Massachusetts was one of the first to race through the fresh ice channel in Cortina in the new doubles sled in March 2025 during the official pre-homologation of the track. Her conclusion?

“It was so incredible to be a part of the Pre-Homologation in Cortina. We are so lucky to have been a part of the team that was chosen to test the new Olympic track. We had so much fun working with everyone else to make sure the track was safe and ready for the upcoming Olympics. It was an amazing experience!”

“Cortina was incredible. Aside from the track, it is such a beautiful town. Being surrounded by the Dolomites as well as amazing food and coffee is hard to beat!”

Team spirit and trust – the recipe for success

The trust between the two athletes on one sled is more crucial in no other luge competition than in the doubles. Sophia Kirkby, 23, from Lake Placid, describes it this way: “I can't see almost anything during the race. My partner’s head is blocking most of my vision - we have trained to navigate the sled together down the luge track.”

The two did not come together by chance. Both decided early on to specialize in doubles – a rarity, as many women in doubles switch late, usually from singles. Forgan and Kirkby, however, were doubles pioneers from the start, true team players. Chevonne remembers: “When Sophie and I started doubles, it just worked. We make a great team, and we have a lot of fun!”

The 2023/24 season was their breakthrough: bronze at the World Cup in Innsbruck, second place in Sigulda – and World Championship medals in Altenberg: silver with the team, bronze in the doubles. And the last season went even better. Olympic qualification? Just a formality. “This past season was our best season so far! It was really exciting to be able to win our first World Cup and then make it back onto the podium in some of the races that followed”, explained Chevonne Forgan. “I am so happy that we were able to put down so many solid races. We learned a lot in this past season and are hoping to carry some of the momentum with us into the Olympic year!” And Sophia Kirkby added: “I’m very proud of our past season. Many consistent races, including our first World Cup win in Lillehammer, Norway.”

Olympic schedule: February 11 and 12, 2026

On February 11, 2026, Olympic medals will be up for grabs for the first time in the women's doubles in Cortina, followed a day later by the team relay, also with Forgan/Kirkby in Team USA. Both are already eagerly awaiting the races:

“Making it to the Olympics has always been our goal, it’s hard to believe that it's right around the corner. We have our sights set on the 2026 Olympics. We are absolutely counting down the days until the season starts again”, says Forgan.

For Kirkby, the Olympic moment is also a very personal one. Her father, who once took her to the track in Lake Placid, died in 2024 after a serious illness. “My dad bobsledded for the United States Air Force and introduced me to luge at a young age”, said Kirkby. Since then, she has been racing for him – and for everyone who believes in her.

The next steps: World Cups, qualification and the Olympic Games in Cortina

But before the big Olympic adventure, there are still some important milestones to reach: The 2025/26 World Cup season, which includes Olympic qualification, starts in early December in Innsbruck (Austria). After that, it's off to two World Cup races in the USA. In Park City (Utah) and on their home track in Lake Placid (New York), they will be aiming to collect World Cup points. Then, on February 6, 2026, the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will officially open – and Forgan/Kirkby want to make a strong statement there at the latest.

And until then? Training, traveling, enjoying themselves – and making plans. “Sophia and I are definitely looking to build off of our results from the 2024/25 season and put our best foot forward for the Olympic season. We are working hard so that we can push ourselves to be the best we can be in time for the Olympics. We are so excited for what this year will bring”, so Chevonne Forgan.