Germany's most successful Olympic Winter Sport Athlete retires

Munich (FIL/24 Sept 2023) Six-time Olympic luge champion Natalie Geisenberger is Germany's most successful female winter sports athlete, a legend of the sport of luge. On Sunday, September 24, 2023, the luger from Miesbach announced her retirement from active competitive sport during the live broadcast "Blickpunkt Sport" on Bavarian television.

After 16 years of competitive sport, the 35-year-old exceptional athlete said: "I couldn't be more grateful and proud. It's always been my dream to end my career with two big smiles on my face. This is the moment to say: Thank you, that's it!

Geisenberger competed in her first World Cup race in Altenberg, Germany, in January 2007 and went on to win six Olympic gold medals, one Olympic bronze, nine World Championship titles and eight overall World Cup victories. In total, Natalie Geisenberger has won 37 medals in international competition, including seven Olympic medals, 16 World Championship medals and 14 European Championship medals. She also won 74 World Cup races, including 52 individual events. With this impressive track record, the Munich native leaves a big gap in the German luge sport.

"It is with deep gratitude and respect that we look back on the impressive career of this extraordinary athlete. For years, Natalie Geisenberger has shaped the international sport of luge at the highest level and inspired the world of sports with her incredible achievements. She is a true role model and an inspiration for young athletes around the world. Her commitment to fair play, team spirit and her love for the sport have made her a true ambassador of the sport of luge," said FIL President Einars Fogelis.

Natalie Geisenberger wants to watch luge on TV and take care of her family. In May 2020, the luge queen gave birth to her son Leo. Her daughter Lina was born in January 2023.