Georg Hackl – The Legend from Berchtesgaden
Six Olympic Games, five medals, and a career of perfection on ice
Berchtesgaden (FIL/14 Dec 2025) When talking about the greatest lugers of all time, one name always comes up first: Georg “Schorsch” Hackl. Born and raised in Berchtesgaden in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Hackl became the epitome of precision, endurance, and Olympic excellence.
From Calgary's beginnings to gold in Albertville
Georg Hackl made his Olympic debut in 1988 at the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. He competed in both the singles and doubles (together with his teammate Stefan Ilsanker) and immediately demonstrated his extraordinary talent, winning silver in the men's singles and fourth place in the doubles. It was the beginning of an extraordinary Olympic career.
Four years later, at the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, Hackl competed in his now iconic silver racing suit – and, with the utmost precision and nerves of steel, won his first Olympic gold medal in the men's singles. This marked the beginning of his era as the undisputed champion of his sport.
Twice is better than once – the defending champion becomes a legend
Hackl made history again at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. Once more in his silver racing suit and with start number 1, he defended his title in impressive style. With perfect runs and stoic calm, he became the first luger to win the Olympic singles title twice in a row.
The triple – and his place in Olympic history
In 1998, at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Hackl competed for the first time in a racing suit in the German colors of black, red, and gold – and crowned himself a triple Olympic champion. This made him the first luger ever to win three Olympic gold medals in a row. At the age of 31, Hackl had already won four Olympic medals and secured his place in the German sports hall of fame.
A record for eternity
At his fifth Olympic Games in Salt Lake City in 2002, Hackl won silver again and made history: he was the first athlete – in both winter and summer sports – to win a medal in the same individual discipline at five consecutive Olympic Games.
The farewell ride
Eighteen years after his Olympic debut, Georg Hackl competed for the last time at the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. At the age of 39, he finished seventh in the men's singles and bid farewell after an incomparable career that inspired generations of luge athletes worldwide.
From his hometown of Berchtesgaden to the Olympic podiums of Calgary, Albertville, Lillehammer, Nagano, and Salt Lake City, Georg Hackl's legacy remains unique: a master of precision, a calming influence under pressure, and an athlete who has shaped the sport of luge like no other.
Watch the Olympic moments from Georg Hackl's career here:
