The Cortina Sliding Centre was electric on February 11, 2026, as the 11 pioneering teams returned for Run 2 of the inaugural Olympic women’s doubles luge. With the top three separated by just 0.091 seconds after Run 1, every push, every curve, and every split carried the weight of history. Italy’s home heroes held firm, but the drama unfolded in stunning comebacks, near-misses, and unbreakable determination. Here’s how each team delivered in the decisive second run—one unforgettable paragraph at a time.
Italy – Andrea Vötter & Marion Oberhofer (53.182 seconds, 1st in Run 2)
With the weight of a nation and the roar of the Dolomites behind them, Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer delivered a masterclass in composure, clocking 53.182 seconds to seal the historic gold. Vötter’s razor-sharp start (3.920 seconds) and Oberhofer’s unflinching rear stability carried them to 117.7 km/h, navigating the technical lower section with surgical precision. They didn’t just win—they defined the moment, becoming the first-ever Olympic champions in women’s doubles on home ice.
Germany – Dajana Eitberger & Magdalena Matschina (53.280 seconds, 2nd in Run 2)
Germany’s Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina threw everything at the track in Run 2, posting 53.280 seconds and pushing Italy to the absolute limit. Eitberger’s veteran poise at the front met Matschina’s thunderous power, hitting a blistering 123.2 km/h top speed—the fastest of the day. Just 0.098 seconds off the lead in the run, they earned silver in a photo-finish battle that had the crowd gasping.
Austria – Selina Egle & Lara Kipp (53.350 seconds, 4th in Run 2)
The two-time world champions from Austria, Selina Egle and Lara Kipp, attacked Run 2 with their trademark aggression, finishing fourth-fastest at 53.350 seconds. Egle carved aggressive lines from the 3.985-second start, while Kipp’s explosive rear drive kept them in the 117 km/h range. A tiny bobble in the final curves cost them the run lead, but their consistency secured bronze and proved why they were the pre-race favorites.
Latvia – Marta Robežniece & Kitija Bogdanova (53.304 seconds, 3rd in Run 2)
Latvia’s Marta Robežniece and Kitija Bogdanova unleashed a breakout Run 2, rocketing to third-fastest with 53.304 seconds and climbing into fourth overall. The duo synced perfectly on the demanding track, with Robežniece’s front steering and Bogdanova’s power delivering clean speed through the twists. Their Olympic debut ended in style, showcasing the rising force of Baltic sliding.
United States – Chevonne Forgan & Sophia Kirkby (53.995 seconds, 7th in Run 2)
Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby made more history in Run 2, holding fifth overall with 53.995 seconds despite a heart-stopping brush with the wall. Forgan’s confident front work and Kirkby’s steady rear kept the sled on line for a gritty, determined slide. As the first U.S. women’s doubles team at the Olympics, their fifth-place finish was a milestone triumph and a launchpad for America’s sliding future.
Poland – Nikola Domowicz & Dominika Piwkowska (53.989 seconds, 6th in Run 2)
Poland’s Nikola Domowicz and Dominika Piwkowska turned up the aggression in Run 2, surging to 53.989 seconds—the sixth-fastest—and climbing to sixth overall. Despite early wobbles in Run 1, their gritty fight through the technical sections highlighted Poland’s emerging talent in the new Olympic discipline.
Ukraine – Olena Stetskiv & Oleksandra Mokh (54.231 seconds, 8th in Run 2)
Ukraine’s Olena Stetskiv and Oleksandra Mokh showed Olympic grit in Run 2, posting 54.231 seconds to finish seventh overall. The pair stayed low and focused through the lower curves, building on their solid Run 1 for a resilient performance that reflected the heart of Ukrainian athletics on the world stage.
China – Gulijienaiti Adikeyoumu & Zhao Jiaying (54.307 seconds, 9th in Run 2)
China’s young trailblazers Gulijienaiti Adikeyoumu and Zhao Jiaying adapted even better in Run 2, clocking 54.307 seconds for eighth overall. The duo’s quick learning curve shone through with improved exit speed and growing confidence, laying strong foundations for China’s sliding program in this landmark debut.
Romania – Raluca Strămăturaru & Mihaela-Carmen Manolescu (54.405 seconds, 10th in Run 2)
Veterans Raluca Strămăturaru and Mihaela-Carmen Manolescu brought experience to Run 2, finishing with 54.405 seconds in ninth overall. Their clean, mistake-minimizing approach through the curves provided a solid anchor for Romania in the historic event.
Canada – Beattie Podulsky & Kailey Allan (53.747 seconds, 5th in Run 2)
Canada’s Beattie Podulsky and Kailey Allan scripted the comeback story of the day, exploding to fifth-fastest in Run 2 at 53.747 seconds after a tough Run 1. Podulsky’s determined front and Allan’s powerful rear erased the early deficit, rocketing them up the standings and proving the resilience of Canadian luge.
Slovakia – Viktória Praxová & Desana Špitzová (55.286 seconds, 11th in Run 2)
Slovakia’s Viktória Praxová and Desana Špitzová battled to the finish in Run 2 with 55.286 seconds, wrapping up 11th overall. Their passionate effort on the big stage, despite the challenges, embodied the Olympic spirit and the courage of every debutant in women’s doubles.
What a Run 2 for Italy’s golden magic lit up the mountains, but every team etched their name into Olympic lore. From record starts to epic comebacks, this was the birth of a new chapter in luge. Who was your standout? Drop a comment and relive the glory! ❄️
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