Chris Mazdzer – The Charismatic Face of American Luge
From the Adirondacks to Olympic Silver
Park City (FIL/09 Dec 2025) Few athletes have done more to bring luge into the spotlight in the United States than Chris Mazdzer.
Born on June 26, 1988, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and raised in Saranac Lake, New York, Mazdzer discovered luge at the nearby Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid — a track that would become the foundation of his remarkable journey.
Over nearly two decades on ice, he became one of the sport’s most recognized and respected figures, both on and off the sled.
At the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Mazdzer made history by winning the silver medal in men’s singles luge — the first and only medal ever won by an American man in this discipline. His four consistent runs on the demanding Alpensia Sliding Centre track captured the attention of an entire nation and inspired a new generation of U.S. lugers.
“It’s something I had dreamed of since I was a kid,” Mazdzer said at the time. “To see that dream finally come true — for me, for my family, and for Team USA — it was unbelievable.”
An Ambassador Beyond the Track
After his Olympic success, Mazdzer’s natural charisma and infectious energy brought him into the mainstream American spotlight.
He appeared on ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars”, charming audiences with his humor and athleticism while showing that luge athletes can do much more than race down an ice track at 130 km/h.
In 2018, shortly after returning from PyeongChang, he was invited to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange — a rare honor for a winter athlete and a testament to his growing popularity across the United States.
Beyond his medals, Mazdzer has become one of the most visible and admired ambassadors of the sport. He’s been a passionate advocate for clean competition, athlete welfare, and global unity in sport.
Leadership and Legacy
For many years, Mazdzer served as Athletes’ Representative within the FIL (International Luge Federation), working closely with athletes and officials to ensure their voices were heard at every level.
His approachable nature, combined with deep respect from his peers, made him a trusted bridge between competitors and sport leadership — a role he took on with the same commitment he brought to every race.
Even after stepping back from active competition, Mazdzer continues to be a proud advocate for luge, frequently commentating, mentoring younger athletes, and promoting the sport’s values of precision, courage, and community.
Back Home in Park City – and Back on FIL Instagram
This December, the Olympic medallist returns to the spotlight — this time, behind the camera.
On Friday, December 12th, 2025, during the 2nd EBERSPÄCHER Luge World Cup on his home track in Park City, Utah, Chris Mazdzer will take over the FIL Instagram account for a full day!
