In a thrilling display of speed and skill, Johannes Lochner propelled his German team into a commanding lead during the four-man bobsleigh event at the Cortina Sliding Centre on Saturday, 21 February. This impressive performance came after a momentary halt in the competition due to a serious crash involving the Austrian team.
Pilot Jakob Mandlbauer suffered significant injuries when his sled flipped during the second heat, requiring nearly 20 minutes of on-ice treatment before being transported to the hospital for further examination. He reported neck pain, prompting a thorough assessment by medical personnel, while his teammates underwent checks at the track.
Once the event resumed, Lochner showcased his potential for securing a second Olympic gold medal at Milano Cortina 2026, partnering with Georg Fleischhauer. This duo, who previously clinched the two-man title together, joined forces with seasoned athletes Thorsten Margis and Jorn Wenzel. They clocked an impressive combined time of 1:48.61 over the opening heats, outpacing Francesco Friedrich’s German sled by 0.43 seconds. Friedrich, a two-time reigning champion in this event, is under pressure to reclaim his standing after losing the two-man title to Lochner earlier in the Games.
The competition remains fierce, with Lochner leading a German sweep that could materialize, as Adam Ammour’s sled holds the third-fastest time, trailing by 0.59 seconds. The gap is tight among the top contenders, with just 0.3 seconds separating the third from the eighth position. Teams from Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain, and the Republic of Korea are also in close pursuit, making the final heats on Sunday highly anticipated.
The ongoing event not only highlights Germany’s dominance but also underscores the unpredictable nature of competitive bobsleigh, where every heat could bring new surprises. As the athletes prepare for the decisive rounds, the excitement builds around the potential outcomes as nations vie for Olympic glory.