New FIL Vice President for Alpine Luge: “Development should not be focused exclusively on the Olympics”

Simon Paregger elected FIL Vice President for Alpine Luge – inaugural interview

Berchtesgaden (FIL/09 July 2026) Austrian Simon Paregger was elected the new FIL Vice President for Alpine Luge at the 74th Congress of the International Luge Federation FIL, held in Berchtesgaden (GER) in mid-June. The 35-year-old from Längenfeld in Tyrol succeeds Sorin Buta (ROU), who held the position from 2022 to 2026. Following a well-deserved holiday, Simon Paregger sat down to answer a few questions.

FIL Vice President for Alpine Luge Simon Paregger

FIL: You have known the world of the Alpine Luge World Cup for almost 20 years. How do you assess its current state?
Simon Paregger: “Twenty years may sound like a long time, but when I look at our sport, it puts things into perspective. I have had the privilege of working with many people who have devoted 40, 50 or 60 years – in some cases their entire lives – to the sport of luge. I have the utmost respect for that, and measured against the history of our sport, 20 years is only a very short chapter. Looking at that history also shows that our sport has always had its highs and lows. What matters is how we deal with the challenges. Even now, we are exploring new paths, creating innovation, progress and ultimately growth. Alpine Luge has developed enormously in recent years; we are at a very high sporting level, we have professional organisers and committed people. But the reality is also that we are facing major tasks – a change of equipment, new race formats, rising costs, reduced funding, climate change and competition for attention. Together with the Zukunftswerkstatt, we are addressing these challenges. In combination with FIL’s clear strategy, the task now is to put the ideas into practice.”

FIL: Where will you focus your efforts in the coming weeks and months? What are the biggest issues that need to be addressed?
Paregger: “Right from the start, I will seek dialogue with athletes, national federations, organisers and officials in order to understand their perspectives, concerns and proposed solutions. From that overall picture, priorities will become clear. At the moment, I see three key areas: we need to support the national federations more effectively with information and expertise, because that is where the pathway from grassroots sport to elite level takes shape. Secondly, we need to further increase the visibility and reach of Alpine Luge, because too many people still do not know that there is a luge family and that this nature-based sport exists at all. Thirdly, we must continue working on sustainable structures so that our sport remains financially viable in the long term. My guiding principle is simple: identify problems and solve them.”

FIL: In the past, the Olympic dream for alpine luge athletes has been dashed several times. Will you continue to pursue a possible inclusion of alpine luge in the Olympic programme, or is that dream over?
Paregger: “That dream is certainly not over. At the same time, it would be wrong to tie our entire development solely to the Olympics. Luge as a whole needs to become stronger; we need to grow worldwide. If we achieve that, we will also improve the position of alpine luge with regard to inclusion in the Olympic programme.”

FIL: How would you describe your leadership style?
Paregger: “I would describe myself as open and team-oriented. The best decisions are made when different opinions are heard. In the end, decisions have to be taken when the time comes – and then it is important to take responsibility for them. For me, it does not matter who had the good idea or the bad idea: together, we must move Alpine Luge forward.”

FIL: How many World Cup events will you attend in person in your new role?
Paregger: “Direct exchange on site, including with the volunteers, is hugely important. That is why I will try to attend all World Cup events whenever possible.”

FIL: This term of office will come to an end in four years’ time. Where do you see the Alpine Luge World Cup in 2030?
Paregger: “Looking into the crystal ball is always a delicate matter and should be approached with caution. I hope that by 2030 we will once again see more nations competing in the World Cup, and that junior and development race series will attract strong participation and large fields. I would like to see strong and stable national federations and even closer cooperation within FIL. If we all pull together, Alpine Luge will be in a better position in 2030 than it is today – in sporting terms, organisationally and in public perception. That is what it is all about.”

FIL: Thank you for the interview.