Langenhan takes gold at 2026 Winter Games
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by Lauren Howe
Gustafson finishes in 11th place, Greiner in 20th
CORTINA d’AMPEZZO, Italy—The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 men’s singles competition concluded today at the Cortina Sliding Center with Germany’s Max Langenhan taking home the gold medal. He was the fastest sled on all four runs and set four consecutive track records during his Olympic race.
Two-time Olympian Jonny Gustafson (Massena, N.Y.) came into today’s race in 11th place and finished his Olympic journey in the same position. His four-run total time was three minutes 34.432 seconds.
Teammate and 2026 Olympian Matt Greiner (Park City, Utah) was 17th after the first two runs and made some mistakes in the final heat. He finished in 20th place with a time of 3:35.872.
“It’s just incredible and definitely different from the last Olympics. I would say I feel even better after this one,” said Gustafson. “It's always fun racing. Everybody I race against are great competitors, and it’s such a unique experience. I'm incredibly lucky to be able to be here and compete. After the first and second round yesterday, I was going through Instagram and seeing all the things I was tagged in and a hometown bar opened early back home, and it was serving a beer they made for me! And there are 20 or 30 people here. It's just so incredible, and I just keep saying I’m so lucky!”
“I'm speechless. This was the most incredible week of my life and I'm so proud to be here,” said Greiner. “Sliding wise, it was a little hairy. I think you can expect that from your first Olympics and there’s room for improvement on all four runs.”
Langenhan won the gold with a time of 3:31.191 and broke his own track record on the final run in 52.660, furthering Germany’s lead in Olympic luge history with 88 medals, 39 of which are gold. Jonas Mueller of Austria took the silver in 3:31.787, and Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller claimed the bronze in 3:32.125.
The 2026 Winter Games luge competition continues with women’s singles tomorrow and Tuesday, February 10, men’s and women’s doubles on Wednesday, February 11, and the team relay on February 12.
All races will air on NBC and USA Network, and stream live on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms.
