CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — As Emily Fischnaller prepares to launch into her third Olympic Games, she reflects on a journey filled with both triumph and adversity following a life-threatening crash at the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. It was a moment that introduced an unexpected emotion — fear — into her otherwise fearless pursuit of luge, a sport known for its speed and inherent dangers.
Fischnaller’s career took a dramatic turn during her fourth run at the 2018 Games. She lost control on a curve, resulting in her sled losing contact with the ice, which led to a harrowing accident where she crashed and sustained severe injuries, including a broken neck and back. Such experiences, while part of the sport, became nightmares for the athlete and her loved ones. Her sister, Megan, a former Olympian herself, witnessed the crash and has struggled to revisit that traumatic moment.
The physical scars of her crash have since healed, but the psychological battle to regain confidence has been a greater challenge. Walking gingerly through the mixed zone after the crash, Fischnaller assured reporters she was ‘OK,’ though she later learned the extent of her injuries. Her recovery involved significant pain management and rehabilitation, during which she realized she had returned to training too soon. She grappled with the mental hurdles of competing again in a sport that had, for the first time, struck fear in her heart.
Despite the odds stacked against her, Fischnaller’s determination shone through. She credits her supportive network — family, friends, teammates, and coaches — for helping her navigate her comeback. She sought the help of a psychologist and embraced a philosophy of control, all while looking ahead to the future. Within months of her crash, she remarkably claimed a bronze medal at the World Championships in Winterberg, Germany, showcasing her indomitable spirit.
As she heads into the 2022 Winter Olympics, where women’s doubles will make its debut, Fischnaller aims to redefine her Olympic experience following the pain of her last Games. Though she faced challenges in Beijing and finished 26th, her focus remains on competing at the top level, and she’s now ranked 14th in the world.
Life post-crash has also led to new opportunities for Fischnaller. She has established a non-profit organization, Champions 4 Change, connecting Olympians and Paralympians with individuals facing disabilities, and has taken on new challenges like learning German to integrate into her new life in Italy with her husband, fellow luger Dominik Fischnaller.
As she approaches the starting line once again, Fischnaller acknowledges the tension between reassurance and the intense drive to win. Although she may benefit from a perspective that emphasizes finishing as an achievement following her ordeal, her competitive nature prevails. She wants an Olympic medal, and she is resolute in her pursuit.
Reflecting on her journey, Fischnaller encapsulates her experience not just as an athlete, but as an individual who has turned trauma into motivation. “I broke my neck and back at the Olympics doing extreme sledding… I’m also a person who went through a traumatic experience who put herself back together to face a fear, and that’s really relatable,” she said.
With her spirit undeterred, Emily Fischnaller is set to compete once more, embodying resilience and courage as she navigates both her sport and life beyond the luge.