Wolfgang Kindl is the fourth Austrian luge World Champion

Innsbruck (RWH) 30 years after Austria’s Markus Prock took his first world title, Wolfgang Kindl has emulated his legendary compatriot’s feat. The 28-year-old Tyrolean clinched his first gold medal in the Olympic men’s discipline on the Olympic ice track in Innsbruck at the 47th World Championships of the International Luge Federation (FIL).

Silver went to the two-time Junior World Champion Roman Repilov (RUS), who will celebrate his 20th birthday in just over a month. Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller won the bronze medal. Johannes Ludwig was the best-placed German finisher in fourth, following on from his third place at the World Championships in Whistler back in 2013.

Kindl, who also won gold in Friday’s sprint race, becomes the first Austrian World Champion since 1996, when the three-time Olympic medallist Prock took victory in Altenberg. Kindl is the fourth Austrian luge World Champion, adding his name to those of Herbert Thaler (1959), Josef Feistmantl (1969), and Markus Prock (1987 and 1996).

Defending champion Felix Loch of Germany, who finished ninth on his World Championship debut in Innsbruck a decade ago, came home in sixth. Loch set a new track record of 49.892 seconds on his first run, which Kindl then improved to 49.823 seconds.

Quotes

Wolfgang Kindl (AUT / World Championship bronze medallist in 2015 and 2016)

“That was amazing! It’s more than a dream come true for me. I don’t know what else to say – it’s just unbelievable!”

Roman Repilov (RUS / Junior World Champion 2015 and 2016)

“I’m delighted with silver, but of course I’d have been even happier with gold. My goal is to be Olympic Champion next year.”

Dominik Fischnaller (ITA / Junior World Champion 2013, Junior European Champion 2011)

“I might have managed silver if I hadn’t made a mistake at the start of the first run. But I’m really happy with another bronze medal to add to the one I won in the sprint on Friday. This is more than I had expected.”