American Luge Team Shines in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Overview of the Event

In the picturesque backdrop of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the USA Luge team showcased their incredible talents during a crucial competition held on November 29 and 30, 2025. This event not only served as a test run for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games but also saw the American athletes prove their mettle against some of the world’s best.

Men’s Doubles Competition

The highlight of the competition for the USA was undoubtedly the men’s doubles event, where the duo of Marcus Mueller from Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Ansel Haugsjaa from Framingham, Massachusetts, claimed an impressive silver medal with a combined time of 1 minute, 45.404 seconds. This achievement marks their first World Cup medal and adds to their impressive resumes, which already include victories at the 2024 Junior World Championship and the 2025 U23 World Championship.

Mueller expressed his excitement, saying, “It was pretty great. (We had) two good runs. That’s all we were looking for this week.” Haugsjaa echoed this sentiment by emphasizing their past training speed and the importance of consistency, noting, “It feels amazing… if we could put it together, something good might come of it.”

Women’s Competitions

In the women’s doubles category, Chevonne Forgan from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and Sophia Kirkby from Ray Brook faced challenges but still managed to secure a fifth-place finish with a time of 1:47.330. Forgan shared insights into their performance, highlighting minor issues during their runs, stating, “Overall, we’re happy for the experience… it’s preparation for the future.” Their determination and focus on learning from each race sets a positive tone as they gear up for the Olympics.

Women’s Singles Performance

Ashley Farquharson of Park City, Utah, stood out in the women’s singles event, narrowly missing the podium with a commendable fourth-place finish at 1:46.208. A 2022 Olympian, Farquharson feels confident heading into future competitions and said, “I’m really excited about the speed shown today… I have a bit left out there.”

The performances of three-time Olympian Summer Britcher and Lake Placid native Emily Fischnaller highlighted the depth of the U.S. team, although they finished in 13th and 21st places respectively, with Fischnaller’s single run time not advancing her to the second heat.

Team Relay and Men’s Singles

The team relay featured a blend of America’s best, including Farquharson, Mueller and Haugsjaa, as well as Gustafson and the women’s duo of Forgan and Kirkby. Their collective effort resulted in a solid fifth-place finish with a time of 3:43.527. The relay reminded fans that teamwork is crucial in luging, as the best nations remain competitive through collaboration.

Individually, Jonny Gustafson was the top American in the men’s singles event, finishing 14th overall with a time of 1:47.679, showcasing the strength of the U.S. contingent. Notably, two-time Junior World Championship medalist Matt Greiner from Park City also achieved a personal best at the World Cup level, finishing in 16th place.

Olympic Qualification Landscape

As the U.S. team gears up for the upcoming World Cup season, the pressure mounts for Olympic qualification. The intricate selection process is based on performance across five qualifying events, with athletes aiming for “A-tier” and “B-tier” results to secure their spots in the 2026 Olympic Team. After this initial event, Mueller, Haugsjaa, and Farquharson have made significant strides, establishing themselves as strong contenders.

The qualifications kick off next weekend in Winterberg, Germany, but Team USA will forego this event for further training in Lake Placid. This strategic choice underscores the team’s commitment to optimizing preparations for the upcoming Olympic challenges.

Next Steps for Team USA

Team USA will formally announce its Olympic nominations in January 2026, following thorough evaluations of each athlete’s performance in the qualifying events. The anticipation within the team and their supporters builds as they push forward on the path to the Winter Olympics.

With their robust showing in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the American lugers have demonstrated their readiness to face the world and chase Olympic glory. Each athlete’s performance not only reflects their personal dedication but also speaks to the broader culture of teamwork and perseverance that characterizes USA Luge.