CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — In a remarkable display of athletic longevity, German luge icon Felix Loch has declared his intention to compete for a spot at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. The 36-year-old sliding sensation, who captured his first Olympic gold medal in 2010, made the unexpected announcement Tuesday following discussions with his family about the commitment required for another Olympic cycle.
The seven-time World Cup overall champion, who currently leads this season’s standings with two races remaining, expressed profound gratitude for his family’s support. “We all understand what another four years would entail: sacrifice, planning, hoping, cheering along,” Loch stated in a social media post. “That my family says ‘We stand behind you!’ is not something to be taken for granted.”
Loch’s career achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. With 56 World Cup singles victories, he stands just one win behind Italian legend Armin Zoeggeler’s men’s record. His Olympic pedigree includes singles gold medals in 2010 and 2014, plus a relay gold in Sochi. Though he placed sixth at last week’s Milan Cortina Games, his competitive fire remains undiminished.
“I will keep going—as long as I am healthy and fit,” declared the veteran athlete, whose sport uniquely continues its international season post-Olympics. The luge World Cup circuit concludes with events in St. Moritz, Switzerland (February 28-March 1) and Altenberg, Germany (March 7-8), where Loch currently holds a one-point advantage over Austria’s Jonas Müller.
Reflecting on his enduring passion, Loch affirmed: “I love my sport. And as long as I can compete at the front, I will give everything to be back at the start for our Team Deutschland in 2030. Being able to compete for your country is and always will be the greatest honor.”