U.S. luge team captures bronze in German World Cup

The United States captured bronze in Sunday's team relay at the Luge World Cup in Altenberg, Germany, led by Park City's Ashley Farquharson, who also finished sixth in women's singles.

ALTENBERG, Germany — The top U.S. women’s luge finisher at the World Cup in Altenberg, Germany, on Sunday, Jan. 12, was Ashley Farquharson of Park City, Utah, who placed sixth.

Later that day, the United States earned bronze in the team relay. Latvia won gold with a team consisting of singles sliders Kendija Aparjode and Kristers Aparjods, and doubles teams Mārtiņš Bots and Roberts Plūme, and Marta Robežniece and Kitija Bogdanova.

Germany took silver with singles sliders Anna Berreiter and Max Langenhan, and doubles teams Tobias Wendl and Tobias Artl, and Jessica Degenhardt and Cheyenne Rosenthal.

The U.S. bronze-medal team featured singles sliders Farquharson and Jonny Gustafson, and doubles teams Marcus Mueller and Ansel Haugsjaa, and Chevonne Forgan and Sophie Kirkby.

The International Luge Federation (FIL) has announced World Luge Day, which will be celebrated annually on the third Sunday of January starting in 2025. The inaugural event will take place Jan. 19, 2025.

The FIL aims to use World Luge Day to introduce people globally to the sport. The event is designed for both experienced athletes and newcomers, including families and children interested in winter sports.

“Luge is more than just a competitive discipline – it is the world’s first winter sport and a tradition that connects people worldwide,” FIL President Einars Fogelis said. “With World Luge Day, we want to spread the enthusiasm for this sport and encourage more people to take to the sled and have fun.”

The FIL and its national federations plan to celebrate with activities, events and introductory courses worldwide.