Turin (pps) Clearly positive was the assessment that Josef Fendt, President of the International Luge Federation (FIL), has given even before the Closing Ceremony of the XX. Olympic Winter Games in Turin. „We can be satisfied with the Olympic Winter Games in Turin“, said the former World Champion in a first reaction.

From the FIL’s point of view it was particularly positive that five different nations won at least one medal, explained Fendt. „I am especially happy for Latvia as Martins Rubenis’ bronze medal was the first medal ever won by the country at Olympic Winter Games.“ Besides Latvia (0 gold – 0 silver – 1 bronze), medals went to Germany (1 gold – 2 silver – 1 bronze), Italy (1 – 0 – 1), Austria (1 – 0 – 0) and Russia (0 – 1 - 0). Fendt: „Excellent sport was performed.“

The President of the FIL was also glad to find the artificially refrigerated track in Cesana Pariol in an excellent condition. „Sport Manager Ivo Ferriani and his team did an outstanding job“, explained Fendt and pointed out that none of the crashes resulted in serious injuries. Fendt: „This was also thanks to the careful race direction and all responsible officials and staff members.“

In addition to the cheerful atmosphere at the track with a total of more than 10,000 visitors watching the luge competitions, the FIL President was particularly pleased by the really sensational television ratings with more than 8 million viewers in Germany and more than 5.5 million in Italy. „In view of such figures, there is a chance that the coverage of our World Cups on Italian television might increase in the future“.

The esteem of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was demonstrated by the visits of top level IOC representatives including President Dr. Jacques Rogge and the newly elected Vice President Dr. Thomas Bach. „We are holding a solid position within the Olympic program“, said Fendt, who is hoping for the inclusion of the team competition in the program of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.