Emily Fischnaller – On the Final Stretch of an Extraordinary Journey
Lake Placid (FIL/04 Aug 2025) For many athletes, competing at the Olympic Games is the ultimate dream – a peak moment filled with pride and emotion. But for Emily Fischnaller, née Sweeney, the Olympics are more than just that: they are the red thread through a career marked by successes, setbacks, comebacks – and now, perhaps, one final appearance at Milano-Cortina 2026.
A Difficult Start: From DNF to Long-Term Struggles
When Emily made her Olympic debut in Pyeongchang in 2018, things didn’t go as planned. A serious crash during her third run – after losing control in curve 12 – left her with a DNF and severe injuries. Neck and back fractures sidelined her for months, both physically and mentally.
“I was bedridden and couldn’t hold myself in any position for long. It was one of the most painful times of my life,” she recalls. Yet despite it all, Emily fought her way back – for herself, and for her dream.
A Return with New Strength
In 2022, she returned to the world stage at the Olympics in Beijing. Finishing 26th may not have made headlines, but for Fischnaller, it was a testament to her perseverance, endurance – and her relevance in a sport dominated by Europe.
“I’m not just here to be here. I chose to be here because I want to get better,” she says firmly. In a country where luge garners little attention outside the Olympics, staying visible – and competitive – is a significant achievement.
The 2024/25 Season: Her Best Yet
Emily Fischnaller delivered her strongest season yet in 2024/25. With World Cup silver in Lillehammer (Norway), bronze in Winterberg (Germany), and an eighth-place overall World Cup finish – all while skipping several races due to injury – she proved she's still a force.
The German track in Oberhof remains off limits due to the strain its curves place on her neck, but rather than lamenting it, she takes control: “I now know exactly which races I can do – and which I can’t. I listen to my body.” Emily also secured a bronze medal at the 53rd FIL World Championships in Whistler, Canada, in 2025.
A New Life in Italy
Beyond the track, Emily is entering a new chapter. In spring 2025, she married Italian luge star Dominik Fischnaller. The couple has navigated a long-distance relationship since meeting in Winterberg in 2009. Now, Emily is relocating permanently to Meransen, Italy, into a nearly finished home they built together.
“We’re still splitting our time for now, but after the Olympics, I plan to stay in Italy,” she explains – amidst paperwork, permits, and new phone numbers. The transition is bureaucratic, yes, but deeply fulfilling.
One Last Big Push
Whether Milano-Cortina 2026 will mark the end of her career is still uncertain. But her focus is clear: “It’s an Olympic year, and the pressure is on. But I’m ready to push myself – a little more every day.” At almost 30, Emily is one of the most experienced athletes in the sport. Her story – of setbacks, sacrifice, and relentless determination – makes her stand out in the luge world.
“I’ll always feel my back. But I’m not crying about it – it’s okay. I’ll live with it.”
And who knows – maybe Emily Fischnaller will cap her journey with an Olympic medal in February 2026. She’s earned it – not just as an athlete, but as a person.
