Ashley Farquharson Secures Rare Olympic Bronze in Women’s Luge at 2026 Winter Games
MILAN, Italy — Ashley Farquharson made history on Tuesday at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics by capturing the bronze medal in the women’s luge singles event, marking only the second time an American woman has earned an Olympic medal in the sport. Farquharson’s achievement ended a 12-year medal drought for the United States in women’s luge, the last being Erin Hamlin’s bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.
Starting the competition in fifth place, Farquharson delivered a series of precise and daring runs down the Cortina Sliding Centre track, overcoming the pressure of Olympic competition to secure her spot on the podium. Her performance was met with emotion and disbelief, as she recounted the surreal moment she realized her accomplishment. “It really didn’t feel real,” Farquharson said. “For a couple seconds when I was coming up the outrun, I was like, ‘that’s not real.’”
Raised in Park City, Utah, Farquharson began luge as an after-school activity, a humble beginning that blossomed into an Olympic journey. Her success highlights the growing prominence of American athletes in winter sliding sports, traditionally dominated by European competitors. Germany’s Julia Taubitz claimed the gold medal in the event, edging out the field with a commanding lead.
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has celebrated Farquharson’s breakthrough, emphasizing the significance of her medal in inspiring a new generation of American lugers. The sport, governed internationally by the International Luge Federation (FIL), requires athletes to navigate icy tracks at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour, demanding exceptional skill and courage.
Farquharson’s medal comes amid a broader surge in U.S. winter sports success, including historic performances in mixed doubles curling and figure skating. The Team USA website provides ongoing updates and profiles of athletes competing in Milan Cortina, reflecting the nation’s deep investment in winter athletics.
Her achievement also draws attention to the importance of training facilities such as the Utah Olympic Park, which has nurtured numerous American sliding athletes. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee continues to support infrastructure and development programs that have helped elevate U.S. competitors to the world stage.
As the Winter Games progress, Farquharson’s bronze medal serves as a beacon of perseverance and excellence, reminding fans and fellow athletes alike of the dedication required to reach Olympic glory. Her story is a testament to the growing competitiveness of American lugers and the expanding footprint of the sport in the United States.
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