From February 12th to 14th the 23rd FIL Luge World Championships on natural track will be held in Umhausen (AUT). For the in November 2020 newly elected FIL President Einars Fogelis it will be the first World Championships on natural track as President of the International Luge Federation FIL. We met the FIL President for an exclusive interview beforehand.

FIL: Mr. President, thank you very much for taking the time for this interview. How do you feel about this major event?
Einars Fogelis: “It will be my first luge World Championship on natural track as President, and that's great. I've watched a lot of natural track the whole season. A lot has been done in this area, a lot has been invested in safety, the athletes are doing excellent competitions. I am very grateful to the organizers, because such events are not possible without help on site. I am sure we will get - despite the event had to be postponed by a week because of the weather conditions -  high quality World Championships ”.

FIL: A lot has been invested in Umhausen in the last two years, a new finish stadium has been built, everything is ready. What do you expect from these championships?
Fogelis: “10 years ago the old finish stadium was new, after 10 years there was another big investment. This increases the quality on site, the athletes feel at home. As FIL, we are very grateful for these investments because it helps the younger generation, and it is absolutely the right path for the development program. I would like to express my thanks to the Republic of Austria, the State of Tyrol and the municipality of Umhausen, who are always ready to invest in this sports facility ”.

FIL: Around 20 nations are present in Umhausen - despite the difficult conditions caused by the global corona pandemic. Do you see that as proof that luge on natural track is becoming more and more attractive?
Fogelis: “100 percent, that's no question. Before this season we were all very concerned about whether there would be a World Cup at all. We have a strong group of professionals in the FIL who have elaborated  an excellent Covid-19 safety protocol. My thanks go to all employees, but also to the teams and athletes who adhere to and implement the regulations with a lot of discipline. Because of the strict travel restrictions in some countries, the lugers from South America and Oceania are unfortunately not in Umhausen. I see a good development, we are getting wider and wider”.

FIL: Last question, it has to be. Your medal tips?
Fogelis: “I'm not making a prognosis, I just wish the athletes the best that everyone can show their best performance. The fastest also wins the title on the natural track. I wish myself accident-free races and good luck to the athletes ”.

FIL: Thank you for talking to us, Mr. President.