Records tumble – West wins 13th title, Fischnaller impresses in the women's event, DiGregorio/Hollander and Forgan/Kirkby victorious

Lake Placid (FIL/Sept. 20, 2025) The Norton USA Luge Start Championships in Lake Placid produced several personal bests over the weekend. Tucker West and Emily Fischnaller were the highlights of the national season opener with their successes.

Local hero West set a new record in the traditional start with 3.23 seconds and won his 13th title at the Start Championships with a total time of 10.68 seconds.

“I'm really happy with the level today. After an injury in the summer, it feels good to come back like this,” said West.

In the women's event, two-time World Championship bronze medalist Emily Fischnaller triumphed. With a record run of 3.54 seconds and a total time of 11.65 seconds, she narrowly beat her rivals Summer Britcher and Ashley Farquharson. "The times were a nice surprise. I am particularly proud of our entire team – the performances were great," said Fischnaller.

Records were also broken in the doubles categories: Zack DiGregorio/Sean Hollander set new standards with two best times, while Chevonne Forgan/Sophia Kirkby smashed two start records.

The US team will now continue with its first ice training session on October 9 in Lillehammer before the World Cup begins on December 5 in Igls (Austria). The first five races also serve as qualifiers for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.

For more information, visit: www.usaluge.org.

Photos: USA Luge