Gangwon 2024: Italy Creates History at Luge Domination in Winter Youth Olympic Games

It’s show time at the Gangwon 2024 arena. Also known as the IV Winter Youth Olympics Games is no less than the 2024 Paris Olympics less than 200 days away. South Korea hosting the multi-sport event has already ushered top-tier athletes from all across the world. But it’s not just Korea who have come all buckled up. The other countries, especially Italy, have some histories to write in 2024. Amid a steady influx of victors grabbing trophies and myriad wins, the luge in particular has gained a profusion and a doyen of talent from a comity of nations.

A luge, a sled led by one or two persons, usually begins with the riders seated and then accelerates slowly to slide at impressive speeds. Among the 10 medal events scheduled for January 23, luge was one of the most sought-after. But the team reigning on top is the most rooted for at this point. With Italy gaining precedence and fame because of their epicurean delights unleashed onto the world, there’s another foothold where they can rejoice at.

Italy secures the pole position and reigns supreme

IOC Media’s X post reads, “VIDEO NEWS RELEASE. Italy’s incredible domination of the luge events at Winter Youth Olympic Games #Gangwon2024 continued in the final event as they won the Mixed Team Event, their fourth gold out of five available in the sport”. At the Alpensia Sliding Centre, the Italians appeared to defend the team relay title, therefore securing 4 out of 5 wins luge had to offer. Shifting Latvia to silver, and Austria to bronze, the team relay win was one-of-a-kind for the Italians. The ten medal events on the 4th day of the event included biathlon, bobsleigh, alpine skiing, luge, skeleton, freestyle skiing, and speed skating. Further, the two other sports are the curling and ice hockey. 

Women’s double gold medalist and individual silver medalist Alexandra Oberstolz started, thus passing on the baton to Leon Haselrieder, the men’s singles gold winner. Finally, Manuel Weissensteiner and Phillipp Brunner teamed up to bring home the team gold with joined efforts. Out of all the nations having geared up to make history, Kazakhstan was one of the most notable celebrating a young gun.

Kazakhstan making heads turn

Ilya Mizernykh, the 16-year-old ski jumper with big hopeful eyes, had put up a terrific show on January 20, at Gangwon 2024. Winning his nation’s first ever Winter Youth Olympic Games title was a heartwarming moment for the stellar youngster. Pushing his Austrian and Polish counterparts to silver and bronze respectively, Mizernykh unfolded his prowess in the latter rounds.

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Yermek Marzhikpayev, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “On the first day of the championship, Ilya Mizernykh, competing in ski jumping, defeated all rivals and climbed to the highest podium of victory. It is a great start”. This winter Olympic season is all set to end on February 1, which means there’s a lot more in store for us.

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