Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics: Luge's top nations and neutral Russian athletes set for thrilling races
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will feature a strong lineup of luge athletes from around the world. Nine nations have secured spots in the team relay, while individual and doubles events will see competitors from powerhouse countries like Germany and Austria. The U.S. and host Italy have also qualified large teams, with Russia’s athletes participating under neutral status due to ongoing sanctions. Germany and Austria dominated qualification by securing the maximum 12 athlete spots each. Host nation Italy and the U.S. followed closely with 11 qualifiers, while Ukraine and Latvia each earned 10 places.
The U.S. team will field a full roster across all events. Jonny Gustafson and Matthew Greiner will compete in men’s singles, while Summer Britcher, Emily Fischnaller, and Ashley Farquharson take on the women’s singles. In doubles, Marcus Mueller and Ansel Haugsjaa, alongside Zach Di Gregorio and Sean Hollander, will race in the men’s event, with Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby representing the U.S. in women’s doubles.
Russian lugers Roman Repilov and Daria Olesik qualified for the Games but will compete as neutral athletes. This comes after sanctions barred Russian federations from official participation.
Nine countries—including the U.S., Germany, Austria, Italy, Latvia, China, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine—will contest the team relay, ensuring a competitive field. The Olympic luge events will showcase top talent from multiple nations, with Germany and Austria leading in athlete numbers. The U.S. brings a full squad, while Russian competitors enter under neutral status. The team relay, featuring nine countries, promises intense competition at the Milan Cortina Games.
Read also:
- Federal Funding Supports Increase in Family Medicine Residency Program, Focusing on Rural Health Developments
- Potential Role of DHA in Shielding the Brain from Saturated Fats?
- Alternative Gentle Retinoid: Exploring Bakuchiol Salicylate for Sensitive Skin
- Hanoi initiates a trial program for rabies control, along with efforts to facilitate the transition from the dog and cat meat trade industry.
