Georg Hackl celebrates his 50th birthday

Berchtesgaden (RWH) Georg Hackl, who is still the only male luger to win gold in three Olympic Games, is turning 50 on 9 September. The International Luge Federation (FIL) accepted the three-time world champion into the Hall of Fame in 2012. The star from Bischofswiesen, Germany, is also a member of the International Federation’s Technical Commission.

In his role as German national coach, the trained metalworker still has close ties to the sport. Sleds designed by Hackl have also played a role in the success of Olympic and world champions Felix Loch, Natalie Geisenberger and the pairing of

Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt from the so called “Sunshine Training Group”.

In addition to three Olympic gold medals (1992, 1994 and 1998), Georg Hackl also won two Olympic silver medals (1988 and 2002). He also achieved three world championship titles (1989, 1991 and 1997) in the men’s singles. His last victory in Igls came exactly 100 days after he underwent spinal surgery.