Key Takeaways
-The 2026‑27 U.S. Luge National Team features 12 Olympic athletes, including veterans who medaled in Milan‑Cortina.
- Women’s Singles is anchored by bronze‑medalist Ashley Farquharson, a two‑time Olympian with recent World Cup successes.
- Women’s Doubles returns the historic bronze‑medal duo Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby, plus emerging alternates Maya Chan and Sophia Gordon.
- Men’s Doubles retains gold‑medalists Ansel Haugsjaa and Marcus Mueller, while adding silver‑medalists Zack DiGregorio and Sean Hollander.
- The team blends seasoned internationals with promising newcomers such as Logan Barnes, who earned junior national gold.
- USA Luge’s leadership expresses confidence in both continuity and fresh talent as the World Cup season opens in Winterberg.
Team Overview and Selection Highlights
USA Luge announced its Fall 2026 National Team roster in Lake Placid, NY, spotlighting a blend of proven Olympians and rising athletes. The roster comprises twelve Olympic competitors who aim to capitalize on the previous season’s achievements—ten medals, 38 top‑ten World Cup finishes, and an Olympic bronze by Ashley Farquharson. The organization emphasized continuity, retaining the majority of the medal‑winning athletes while integrating younger talent eager to gain international experience.
Women’s Singles – Leadership and Performance
Leading the women’s singles contingent is 2026 Milan‑Cortina bronze medalist Ashley Farquharson of Park City, Utah. As a two‑time Olympian, she contributed nine Olympic appearances across the team and secured podium finishes with bronze at the 2025 World Cup in Park City and silver in Lake Placid. Although she placed 12th overall in the World Cup standings after competing in seven of nine races, her consistency underscores her role as the squad’s anchor. Alongside her, three‑time Olympian Summer Britcher of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, added to her record seven career World Cup golds, finishing fourth in Cortina despite missing the opening event. Three‑time Olympian Emily Fischnaller of Lake Placid, New York, entered her 15th season after a 12th‑place finish in Cortina and a 26th overall World Cup standing, also holding two World Championship medals.
Women’s Doubles – Historic Returns and New Partnerships
Women’s doubles returns the first U.S. team ever to contest Olympic ice, with Chevonne Forgan of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and Sophia Kirkby of Lake Placid, New York, resuming their bronze‑medal partnership from the 2025 World Cup and the 2026 Games where they placed fifth. The duo finished ninth overall in the World Cup standings. Supporters Maya Chan of Chicago, Illinois, and Sophia Gordon of Sussex, Wisconsin, who served as alternates in Milan‑Cortina, aim to translate their season‑best fifth‑place finish at the 2025 Lake Placid World Cup into a podium challenge. Their 2025 World Cup season placed them 11th overall, reflecting promising momentum.
Men’s Doubles – Dual Medalists and Veteran Returnees
The men’s doubles lineup features returning gold‑medalists Ansel Haugsjaa of Framingham, Massachusetts, and Marcus Mueller of Brookfield, Wisconsin. After an Olympic debut in Cortina where they finished fifth and led the U.S. duo to a fifth‑place overall World Cup standing, they aim to replicate their 2025 Lake Placid World Cup victory. Complementing them are two‑time Olympians Zack DiGregorio of Medway, Massachusetts, and Sean Hollander of Lake Placid, New York, who captured a silver medal at the Park City World Cup and placed 13th overall while finishing eighth at the 2026 Winter Games. Additionally, 2024 World Championships team relay silver medalists Dana Kellogg of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, and Frank Ike of Lititz, Pennsylvania, round out the men’s doubles roster, bringing further depth and experience.
Men’s Singles – Transition and Emerging Talent
In men’s singles, two‑time Olympian Jonny Gustafson of Massena, New York, returns after a 11th‑place finish in Cortina and a 15th overall season ranking. He is joined by 2026 Olympian Matt Greiner of Park City, Utah, who placed 20th in his debut Winter Games appearance and sits 25th overall. Complementary athletes include Hunter Harris of East Fairfield, Vermont, and Aidan Mueller of West Islip, New York, both vying for competitive spots. The roster also welcomes graduating junior Logan Barnes, who secured gold at the 2026 Norton Junior National Championships and bronze in the 2026 Junior World Cup in Lillehammer, signaling a successful transition from junior to senior competition.
Retirements and Future Outlook
Tucker West of Lake Placid, New York, announced his retirement after an illustrious career spanning four Olympic Games and numerous World Cup medals. USA Luge plans to issue a separate statement honoring his contributions. CEO Scott Riewald expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting the excitement of returning the core Olympic team while embracing younger athletes who will “build experience and show what they can do on the international stage.” The schedule begins with the 2026‑27 World Cup opener in Winterberg, Germany, and culminates with the 2027 World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, scheduled for February 1‑7, 2027. This blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent positions USA Luge to contend strongly on the global stage.