Langenhan overcomes stiff neck to claim first gold for Germany

Max Langenhan claimed the first gold medal for Germany at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics with victory in the luge men's singles on Sunday.

He won in 3 minutes 31.191 seconds, setting a track record for the fourth time.

On his way to his first Olympic medal, Langenhan had to overcome a stiff neck, which almost forced him to pull out of the competition. After Saturday's two runs, he said he could "barely move my head."

But he shone on the controversial track, which was built in haste by organizers despite the International Olympic Committee wanting the sliding abroad to save money.

Jonas Müller of Austria took silver, while Dominik Fischnaller of Italy claimed bronze, just like he did at Beijing 2022.

Fischnaller's wife, Emily, will compete in the women's singles, with the final two heats scheduled for Tuesday.