FIL Youth Games Umhausen: Home victories for the hosts
Anna Fuchs (AUT) and Neo Holzknecht (AUT) set the fastest times of the day
The legendary natural luge track “Grantau” in Umhausen (AUT) was the venue for the 36th FIL Youth Games on 7 and 8 February. This sporting festival for young lugers aged eight to 14 was held for the first time alongside the FIL Alpine Luge World Cup.
Youth Games winner 2026: Anna Fuchs (AUT) and Neo Holzknecht (AUT)
Umhausen (FIL, 10.02.2025) – The 2026 FIL Youth Games began on Saturday evening with a festive opening ceremony at the pavilion in Umhausen’s village centre. The 55 young female and male lugers from Austria, Italy, Germany and Slovenia marched in together with the World Cup athletes. On race day, Sunday, the Youth Games runs alternated with those of the World Cup stars.
Fastest boy: Neo Holzknecht (AUT)
The fastest time of the day in the boys’ category was recorded by Neo Holzknecht of RC Kühtai-Sellraintal in 2:42.94 minutes (1:21.62 / 1:21.32). In the girls’ category, Anna Fuchs, also of RC Kühtai-Sellraintal, was unbeatable with a combined time from both runs of 2:41.72 minutes (1:20.37 / 1:21.35). At the 2025 Youth Games in Jaufental/Val di Giovo (ITA), Fuchs had finished third.
Fastest girl: Anna Fuchs (AUT)
For the first time in history, the Youth Games were held together with the World Cup. Organising Committee Chairman Thomas Kammerlander of SV Umhausen drew a positive conclusion from the major event: “I think the pilot project was a successful event. Seeing the children’s runs on the big screen in the finish area via live stream, and the fact that the kids were part of the World Cup entourage, will remain an unforgettable experience. The joint opening ceremony and the joint prize-giving were fantastic. There has never been a race programme like this before, although of course there is always room for improvement. I think we need to optimise the timetable for integrating the Youth Games into the World Cup – in this format it takes a little too long. Overall, however, it was a very successful event.”
Where the 2027 FIL Youth Games will be held has not yet been decided. Grindelwald (SUI) and Jaufental/Val di Giovo (ITA) have both submitted bids.
