LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- A German woman has won every luge world championship crown since 1993. That was until today, Friday, Feb. 6, when American Erin Hamlin (Remsen, N.Y.) shocked Germany and the rest of the world and became the first non-German to win a World title in 16 years. Italy's Gerda Weissensteiner won the title, in Calgary, Canada.

The win also snapped Germany's international racing winning streak, dating back to 1997, including Olympic, world championship and World Cup, at 99 races. "It's a good part of history, it feels good to finally beat the Germans," stated the 22-year-old Hamlin. "It will take a lot to stay up here but who knows, anything can happen."

Hamlin, who suffered from migraine headaches during yesterday's training, posted the race's two fastest times of 44.113 seconds and 43.985, a new track record, en route to a combined time of one minute, 28.098 seconds. She also joined Wendel Suckow as the only two U.S. athletes to win a luge World crown. Suckow claimed the men's singles title, in 1993, also in Calgary.

While Germany didn't win gold, Natalie Geisenberger did come away with the event's silver medal. Last year's world championship silver medalist finished her two runs in 1:28.285. "It's not so great," noted Geisenberger about losing the world championship. "It was a little bit of a shock, but we knew one day the day would come and today was the day."

Ukrainian Natalia Yakushenko completed Friday's world championship podium, winning the bronze medal in a total time of 1:28.285.

USA Luge's Julia Clukey (Augusta, Maine) and Ashley Walden (Westborough, Mass./Lake Placid, N.Y.) both posted top-10 finishes, fifth and seventh, respectively. Clukey posted a two-heat time of 1:28.622, while Walden stopped the clock in 1:28.844.

"I'm happy with my finish," remarked Clukey. "I'm comfortable on this track and I had two solid runs. It's a solid result."

Fellow American Anastasia Young (Merrick, N.Y.) made her world championship debut and finished 14th. Young was in 19th place following the first heat, but climbed five spots after recording the second heat's 10th best time and finished the race in 1:29.626.

The 41st World Luge Championships continues tomorrow with the men's singles event, while the team relay competition is slated for Sunday at the Olympic Sports Complex on Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

For an audio interview with Erin Hamlin click here.

For video footage, click here.