Natalie Geisenberger wins third World Championship

Königssee (RWH)  All good things come in threes: Natalie Geisenberger of Germany has won the title of World Champion in the women’s luge singles for the third time after previous victories in 2013 and 2015. The Olympic Champion won the 46th International Luge Federation (FIL) World Championships ahead of Martina Kocher of Switzerland, who adds silver to her gold in the sprint, and Tatiana Ivanova of Russia.

Geisenberger’s victory moves her up to fourth in the World Championship medals list, with three golds, five silvers and one bronze. The list continues to be headed by Tatjana Hüfner (GER), whose collection now amounts to four golds, two silvers and one bronze. Hüfner, the most successful World Championship competitor of all times, was in second after the first run, but botched the final heat and ended up fourth. The gap between Hüfner and the bronze medal was just one thousandth of a second, which equates to only three centimetres.

The World Champion in the men’s singles will be decided on Sunday, 31 January 2016 at 10.15 am. The 46th FIL World Championships close with the team relay, which starts at 2.00 pm.

Quotes

Natalie Geisenberger (GER / 2014 Olympic Champion, 2013, 2015 and 2016 World Champion)

“I had only one goal: To win here, at home. It’s so cool to have such an opportunity on my home track.”

Martina Kocher (SUI / 2016 Sprint World Champion, silver in 2016 World Championships)

“This is mega cool. I would never have thought I’d win silver here, too. It’s great if you’re rewarded with such success when you’re just doing what you love the most. I’m also happy for Natalie.”

Tatiana Ivanova (RUS / bronze in 2016 World Championships, silver in 2012 and 2015 World Championships, 2010 and 2012 European Champion)

“This is an amazing success, because all of the finishes are so close together, and we’re just a few thousands of a second apart. It’s been a very difficult season for me so far, and this was a happy end.”