The Men’s Singles Luge event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics kicked off on February 7 at the Cortina Sliding Centre with Runs 1 and 2. The competition featured 35 athletes from various nations, with the USA represented by Jonathan Gustafson and Matthew Greiner. Run 1 started at approximately 11:00 CET (5:00 AM EST), and Run 2 at 12:32 CET (6:32 AM EST). Germany’s Max Langenhan dominated, setting track records in both runs and leading after the first day. The event continued on February 8 with Runs 3 and 4, where Langenhan ultimately won gold.
Standings After February 7 (Runs 1 & 2)
- 1. Max Langenhan (GER): Run 1 – 52.924 (track record, 1st); Run 2 – 52.902 (track record, 1st); Cumulative – 1:45.826
- 2. Jonas Müller (AUT): Run 1 – 52.959 (2nd); Run 2 – 53.029 (2nd); Cumulative – 1:45.988 (+0.162)
- 3. Dominik Fischnaller (ITA): Run 1 – 53.085 (3rd); Run 2 – 53.039 (3rd); Cumulative – 1:46.124 (+0.298)
USA performances on February 7
Jonathan Gustafson: Gustafson had a clean start and navigated the top curves smoothly. He got a bit early in one section but corrected it effectively. Key focus was avoiding too much height at the end of curve four, where he encountered a minor bump but avoided significant sideways pressure. Overall, it was a solid run, though he appeared tense and could benefit from relaxing more for better aerodynamics.
Run 1 – 53.500 (11th); Run 2 – 53.801 (14th); Cumulative after Day 1 – 1:47.301 (+1.475). Gustafson showed steady form but lost some ground in Run 2 due to minor inconsistencies on the challenging Cortina track.
Matthew Greiner: Greiner started a bit slower into the sled but maintained stability. He handled curve three smoothly and avoided excessive height at the end of curve four, though he had a minor slap (contact with the wall) without much sideways pressure. The run could have been cleaner; he appeared tight and needed to relax more. A notable issue was being too high in turn 15, which affected his line.
Run 1 – 53.814 (15th); Run 2 – 53.946 (18th); Cumulative after Day 1 – 1:47.760 (+1.934). As a first-time Olympian, Greiner faced a steep learning curve on the icy, technical course but qualified for the final runs.
The track is known for its high speeds (up to 129.8 km/h in Langenhan’s Run 1) and demanding curves, tested athletes’ precision and nerve. No major crashes occurred on Day 1, but several competitors, including Greiner, dealt with wall brushes that added precious tenths of a second.
Luge Debuts for USA Athletes
- Jonathan Gustafson (Massena, NY): Gustafson made his luge debut in the summer of 2008 at age 11 through the USA Luge Slider Search program in Canton, NY. He took his first runs shortly after and began competing in youth nationals by 2012, earning bronzes in the Norton Youth A National Championships. His international senior debut came in the 2016-17 World Cup season in Winterberg, Germany.
- Matthew Greiner (Park City, UT): Greiner made his luge debut on October 13, 2013, at age 9, taking his first-ever run down a track. He progressed rapidly through the junior ranks, with his international debut at the 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games in Lausanne. His senior World Cup debut occurred in the 2023-24 season, highlighted by a career-best 15th place in Winterberg.
Both athletes train at USA Luge facilities in Lake Placid and Park City, contributing to the program’s growth since the USA’s Olympic luge debut in 1964.
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