Born: 1988
Biography:
Natalie Geisenberger, born on February 5, 1988, is a German luger who is widely regarded as one of the greatest lugers of all time. With an impressive list of achievements, she has become a nine-time World champion and six-time Olympic champion, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Geisenberger’s Olympic journey began at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where she won a bronze medal in the women’s singles event. This early success paved the way for her future triumphs. She went on to become Olympic Champion in the women’s singles event and in the team relay at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. In a remarkable feat, Geisenberger clinched another individual gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics, making her the only woman luger ever to win three individual Olympic gold medals. Her unrivaled success at the Olympics has solidified her position as the most successful and decorated female Olympic luger, with five gold medals and one bronze.
Geisenberger’s dominance also extends to the international stage. She has amassed an impressive collection of medals at the FIL European Luge Championships, with seven gold, six silver, and one bronze. Additionally, at the FIL World Luge Championships, she has accumulated a staggering sixteen medals, including nine gold, five silver, and two bronze. Her remarkable achievements in championship events make her the most decorated and successful female luger in history.
After finishing second in the overall classification of the Luge World Cup for four consecutive seasons, Geisenberger finally claimed the title in the 2012–13 season. Her outstanding performance throughout the season, with six wins and three-second places, solidified her status as the best in the world. Geisenberger’s prowess on the World Cup circuit knows no bounds. She holds the record for the most World Cup victories in singles, with seven, and in sprint, with three, in women’s competitions.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Geisenberger has a fascinating personal life. At the age of six, her family relocated to the city of Miesbach, where she was first introduced to luge by Gert Schabbehard of the local Club RRT Miesbach. Her talent quickly blossomed, and after a successful junior career, which saw her win 14 Junior World Cup competitions and three Junior World Championships, she was promoted to the senior German team.
Despite her success on the track, Geisenberger leads a balanced life. Alongside her sporting career, she serves as a police officer within the German Federal Police at the Sports School in Bad Endorf. This dual role exemplifies her dedication and commitment.
In her personal life, Geisenberger married Markus Scheer on June 1, 2018, in Schliersee. In October 2019, she announced that she would take a break from racing during the 2019–20 season due to her pregnancy. In May 2020, she gave birth to her son Leo, embracing the joys of motherhood. In July 2022, she revealed that she was pregnant for a second time and would consequently miss the 2022-23 season, balancing her responsibilities as an athlete and a mother.
Natalie Geisenberger’s achievements, both on and off the track, have solidified her status as a true icon in the sport of luge. Her unparalleled success, dedication, and indomitable spirit have inspired generations of athletes and fans alike. She has etched her name in the annals of women’s history, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the greatest lugers of all time.
Awards:
– Olympic Champion in the women’s singles event (2014, 2018, 2022)
– Olympic Champion in the team relay (2014, 2018)
– Olympic bronze medalist in the women’s singles event (2010)
– Nine-time World champion
– Five-time European Luge Championships gold medalist
– Six-time European Luge Championships silver medalist
– One-time European Luge Championships bronze medalist
– Sixteen-time FIL World Luge Championships medalist (nine gold, five silver, two bronze)
– Seven-time Luge World Cup champion in singles
– Three-time Luge World Cup champion in sprint