"The Track in Cortina - Truly Excellent"
When you look back on Cortina, what feelings and thoughts come to mind?
It was an incredibly intense time – but that is exactly what made it so beautiful. We prepared with an enormous number of training runs on the track, and the anticipation was huge. First, because we finally had our own track to train on. And second – and this was particularly special for me personally – because I got to compete in this major race in front of family and friends. As an Italian luger, that had long been a dream you could not even imagine, simply because there was no home track. The fans, the entire support team, everyone was fully behind us – it was simply unforgettable. I am endlessly grateful for that.
How do you rate the performance of the organisers behind the new track?
You could really see how much work and passion went into it. The construction timeline was very tight, but the people responsible delivered an extraordinary achievement. We were just happy to be able to compete there. Of course, not everything was perfect – the changing rooms were sometimes a bit untidy, and there was quite a bit of mud around the track – but that was not our priority. For us, what mattered was the track itself. And the track was truly excellent. The races ran perfectly, and in the end we could not have been more satisfied.
What impressed you most in terms of sporting performances?
Honestly, it was our own team. Through all the training runs and the home advantage, we delivered truly exceptional performances – and that was necessary, because the Olympic pressure is immense. We were very composed on the line, took more risks than usual and knew exactly how to position the runners. The team result was surprisingly good in the end – but surprisingly good in the best possible sense. And the team relay impressed me most of all.
What should the future bring – for the track, for luge, and for you personally?
For the track, I hope it continues to be used intensively. I do not think that is even a question – it will happen. What I particularly hope for is greater investment in youth development: new lugers, new bobsleigh and skeleton athletes coming through, all three disciplines being developed in Italy, so that we can push each other within the team and keep moving forward.
For luge as a whole, the goal is to make it even more popular. Cortina showed that this is possible – the races were thrilling, the emotions were enormous. We should build on that momentum: more tension, more unpredictability, more passion to the outside world.
And for me personally? Last season was good – my first World Cup podium in Park City, a strong Olympic performance. That gives me enormous confidence. I am far from done. The plan is to keep working hard, improve my start, squeeze every last hundredth out of the sled. And to do all of that with joy – because that is the most important thing. As long as luge brings me joy, I am in it with everything I have. And I am convinced: more podiums will follow.
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Leon Felderer, born on 30 January 2000 in Latzfons, South Tyrol, is one of the most exciting young luge talents in Italy – and far more than just an athlete. The 26-year-old competed at his first Olympic Games in Beijing in 2022 and returned four years later to Cortina on home ice, where he finished seventh. In the 2025/26 season he celebrated his first World Cup podium finish with third place in Park City. Off the track, he serves as Chairman of the FIL Athletes' Commission, advocating for better conditions and fair recognition in the sport.
