Posted at 7:16 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2008
Luge: German teen becomes youngest world champion
Associated Press
OBERHOF, Germany — German teenager Felix Loch became the youngest men's luge world champion today.The 18-year-old Loch, a two-time junior world champion, finished the first run in 44.996 seconds and claimed gold in 1 minute, 30.643 seconds as Germany swept the top four places.
Two-time world champion David Moeller was second in 1:30.717, followed by Andi Langenhan in 1:30.814.
"I never thought I would win," Loch said. "Suddenly, I saw the No. 1 next to my name, crazy. I just thought, 'do your second run, it will work out.'"
Loch still plans to fly to Lake Placid on Monday to compete in the junior world championships.
"It's remarkable how he retained his composure," said Georg Hackl, Germany's retired three-time Olympic gold medalist. "He's going to be a pleasure to watch."
