Felix Loch: Germany’s Luge Legend Eyes Historic Fourth Olympic Gold in 2026
BERCHTESGADEN, 23 January 2026 – At 36, Felix Loch is far from a relic in the high-speed world of luge. The German veteran, a three-time Olympic champion and one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history, is in the midst of a remarkable late-career resurgence. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo on the horizon, Loch is demonstrating that his drive for victory remains as sharp as the blades on his sled.
A Career Forged in Gold
Born in Sonneberg on 24 July 1989, Felix Loch announced himself as a prodigy by becoming the youngest ever men’s singles luge world champion in 2008 at just 18. That victory began a period of dominance that has seen him amass a staggering collection of honours. He is a triple Olympic gold medallist, having triumphed in the men’s singles at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, and adding a team relay gold in 2014. His six world championship titles in the traditional men’s singles event tie him with Italian great Armin Zöggeler for the all-time record.
Beyond the championships, Loch’s technical prowess is legendary. He still holds the registered speed record in luge, hitting 153.98 km/h at Whistler in February 2009. A federal police officer by profession and a resident of Bayerisch Gmain, Loch balances his sporting career with family life—he is married with two sons—and his day job, embodying the classic German dual-career athlete model.
Recent Form & The Cortina Goal
After a dip in results, Loch has roared back to the top of the podium. On 6 December 2025, he won the EBERSPÄCHER World Cup season opener in Winterberg, clocking a time of 1:43.160 minutes over two runs. This victory, his 53rd in World Cup competition, ended a winless streak in individual races that dated back to February 2024. He finished ahead of rivals Jonas Müller of Austria and current world champion Max Langenhan of Germany.
This comeback is no accident. Loch has spoken of making subtle adjustments to his training and sled setup over the summer, fine-tuning his equipment for one final push towards Cortina 2026. “I’m most happy that this was another real step forward,” Loch said after his Winterberg win. “The start is going well, which is the most important thing… I’m really happy that I’m still right up there at the front.”
Key Facts & Statistics
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 3 Gold Medals (Singles 2010, 2014; Team Relay 2014) |
| World Championships | 14 Medals (12 Gold, 2 Silver). Tied-record 6 Golds in Men’s Singles. |
| World Cup | 7-time overall season champion (2012-2016, 2018, 2021). 53 individual race wins. |
| European Championships | 6-time champion (3 singles, 3 team titles) |
| Personal Best | Registered speed record: 153.98 km/h (Whistler, 2009) |
| 2025/26 Season Start | 1st – Winterberg World Cup (Dec 2025); 7th – Park City World Cup (Dec 2025) |
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Loch’s career is a testament to longevity and adaptation in a sport where hundredths of a second separate champions. He has witnessed the evolution of luge technology and competition, maintaining his place among new generations of sliders like teammate Max Langenhan. His father, Norbert Loch, is the national team coach, adding a unique familial dimension to his journey.
The upcoming Olympic cycle presents a tantalising opportunity. A fourth gold medal in Cortina would cement his status as arguably the greatest male luger of all time and bring his career full circle in the heart of Europe. For now, the veteran remains focused on the process, slide by slide. “I still have at least two active years left until the 2026 Olympic Games,” Loch stated recently, his sights firmly set on adding one more historic chapter to an already legendary story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Felix Loch and is he still competitive?
Felix Loch was born on 24 July 1989, making him 36 years old. He remains highly competitive, as proven by his victory at the World Cup in Winterberg in December 2025, where he defeated the current world champion and other top rivals.
What Olympic records does Felix Loch hold?
Loch is a triple Olympic champion. He is the youngest ever Olympic gold medallist in men’s luge, winning at age 20 in Vancouver 2010. He successfully defended his singles title in 2014 and won a third gold in the inaugural team relay event that same year.
What is his goal for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Loch is actively targeting the 2026 Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. A strong performance there, potentially winning a fourth Olympic gold medal, is seen as a fitting climax to his long and distinguished career.
Who are his main rivals today?
His primary competitors include his German teammate and current world champion Max Langenhan, as well as top Austrian sliders like Jonas Müller, Wolfgang Kindl, and the Gleirscher brothers (Nico and David).