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Olympic Luger Reveals Unique Skills Needed for Fastest Sport on Ice
Jonathan Gustafson prepares to represent Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Jonathan Gustafson, a 28-year-old American luger, discusses the intense training and micro-movements required to compete in the lightning-fast sport of luge, where athletes race down an icy track at speeds over 90 mph with no seat belts or brakes. Gustafson discovered his love for luge at age 11 through a national recruitment program and is set to compete in his second Olympic Games in 2026.
Why it matters
Luge is one of the most thrilling and dangerous sports in the Winter Olympics, requiring incredible skill, split-second reflexes, and a high tolerance for g-forces. Gustafson's insights shed light on the unique physical and mental demands of this niche sport as USA Luge aims to win its first-ever Olympic gold medal.
The details
Gustafson describes luge as "extreme sledding" where every tiny movement of the body can make a big difference in speed and control. Small adjustments like pushing a shoulder into the sled or lifting slightly can significantly impact the sled's trajectory through the course's turns and straightaways. The entire luge run lasts just 40-60 seconds, during which athletes experience intense g-forces while reaching top speeds over 90 mph.
- Gustafson discovered luge at age 11 through a USA Luge recruitment program.
- Gustafson is set to compete in the men's single luge event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
- Gustafson previously competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
The players
Jonathan Gustafson
A 28-year-old American luger who will represent Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, his second time competing in the Olympic Games.
USA Luge
The national governing body for the sport of luge in the United States, which runs a recruitment program to find and develop new talent.
What they’re saying
“I would describe luge as really just extreme sledding. Like anything any kid does when they're younger, get that plastic tube and down a hill. We're pretty similar to that, just a lot more advanced.”
— Jonathan Gustafson (CBS Mornings)
“All the micro movements that you do will turn the sled and make it just ever so slightly, either a little better, a little worse, a little earlier, later into curves or in straightaways.”
— Jonathan Gustafson (CBS Mornings)
What’s next
Gustafson will compete in the men's single luge event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
The takeaway
Luge is an incredibly demanding sport that requires immense skill, split-second reflexes, and a high tolerance for extreme speeds and g-forces. Gustafson's passion for the sport and dedication to honing his craft over 16 years exemplify the drive and commitment needed to excel at the highest levels of winter sports.
