Wendl & Arlt Make Olympic History: Germany’s Most Successful Winter Athletes

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Germany’s luge team secured a historic fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the team relay at Cortina 2026, cementing their dominance in the event and establishing a new benchmark for German winter sports athletes. The victory, achieved on February 12, 2026, also marked a significant milestone for Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt, who now stand as Germany’s most successful Winter Olympians with seven gold medals and one bronze.

The German team, comprised of Dajana Eitberger, Magdalena Matschina, Max Langenhan, Julia Taubitz, and the doubles pairing of Wendl and Arlt, delivered a commanding performance, finishing with a time that left their competitors trailing. They finished 0.542 seconds ahead of Austria, with Italy taking bronze a further 0.849 seconds back. The result underscored a powerful showing for the German squad, adding to the individual gold medals already claimed by Langenhan and Taubitz at these Games.

Wendl and Arlt’s achievement surpasses that of former teammate Natalie Geisenberger, who previously held the record for most Olympic medals won by a German winter sports athlete with six golds and one bronze. “We are enjoying the moment. This is the crowning achievement,” Arlt said after what he indicated may be his final Olympic race.

The German team’s triumph represents their fifth medal overall at the Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, further solidifying Germany’s position as a leading force in the competition. The victory wasn’t simply a continuation of past success; it was a demonstration of power against increasingly competitive teams from Austria and Italy, who had been showing strong form leading up to the Games.

The duo of Wendl and Arlt have been a mainstay of German luge success for a quarter of a century, amassing a remarkable record that includes 60 World Cup victories, ten World Championship titles, and now, four Olympic gold medals in the team relay. Their journey began with junior world championship titles and has evolved into a sustained period of dominance on the international stage.

The partnership between Wendl and Arlt, described as a blend of close friendship and mutual respect for individual space, has been key to their longevity, and success. As Wendl explained, maintaining a balance between synchronization and allowing each other freedom is crucial. “It’s a mixture of being best friends and at the same time knowing when to let the other one be and give him space. If you are too tense and think everything has to be perfectly synchronized, it will backfire,” he said.

Their path to this latest gold wasn’t without its challenges. The team faced difficulties finding optimal speed during training on the Cortina track, leading to late-night sessions in the workshop to fine-tune their sled. Even a third-place finish in the doubles event felt like a victory, securing their place in the team relay and ultimately contributing to the gold medal.

Prior to the team relay, Wendl and Arlt were tied with Geisenberger for the most Olympic medals won by a German winter sports athlete. The team relay victory propelled them to the top of that list, a testament to their consistent excellence over multiple Olympic cycles.

The German team’s success at Cortina 2026 extends beyond the gold medals. Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina secured a silver medal in the women’s doubles, while Wendl and Arlt added a bronze in the doubles event, demonstrating the depth of talent within the German luge program.

The celebrations following the team relay victory were described as exuberant, with athletes, coaches, and fans joining in the festivities. German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) President Thomas Weikert lauded the team’s achievement, stating, “You have done it. What a grandiose performance! Congratulations to Tobi Wendl and Tobi Arlt on this achievement in life. With your seven gold medals and one bronze medal from four Olympic Games, you are officially the most successful Winter Olympians of Team Germany. The entire team bows to you.”

Looking ahead, Wendl and Arlt have indicated their intention to conclude their careers at the Königssee track in Germany, with the 2028 World Championships serving as a potential farewell event. They also expressed their desire to secure the overall World Cup title this winter, adding another accolade to their already impressive list of accomplishments. For now, however, the focus remains on celebrating their historic victory at Cortina 2026 and the legacy they have built as the most decorated German Winter Olympians of all time.