Janine Flock achieved her eleventh World Cup victory at the Winterberg Skeleton event, marking her 40th podium finish. After overcoming significant injuries, she expressed excitement about returning to the top. Currently second in overall standings, Flock is focused on the upcoming pre-Olympic season, with her sights set on the 2026 Olympics. She also participated in the mixed team event with teammate Samuel Maier, contributing to Austria’s strong performance in the competition.
Janine Flock Triumphs at Winterberg Skeleton World Cup
Janine Flock has once again proven her dominance in the world of skeleton racing, achieving her eleventh World Cup victory last weekend in Winterberg. With two remarkable personal bests, she celebrated a significant milestone by reaching her 40th podium finish, solidifying her position as the record holder in World Cup history.
A Stellar Comeback
With great enthusiasm, Flock expressed her joy at regaining the top spot on the World Cup podium, marking her first victory since December 31, 2021, in Sigulda. The 35-year-old athlete faced numerous challenges over the past two seasons, including a herniated disc surgery, a fractured nasal bone, and an ankle injury. However, her determination shone through as she outpaced competitors Anna Fernstaedt from the Czech Republic and German Olympic champion Hanna Neise. Not even a small blunder at the start could dampen her spirits. Reflecting on the moment, Flock recalled, “My coach Michael Grünberger was obviously more nervous than I was; he placed my sled in the wrong starting lane. I then put the sled in the right lane myself and focused fully on my run! I wanted to hit the point, find my line, and pull the victory to my side.”
Despite the nerves, Flock’s focus and skill led her to triumph, and she is now poised for what promises to be an exciting pre-Olympic season.
Looking Ahead
While the achievement of her 40th podium finish is a noteworthy highlight, Flock is more focused on her performance in the overall standings, where she is currently in second place with 1165 points, trailing Hannah Neise. She stated, “I am glad that I was able to carry the momentum into the new year; I can already speak of a very successful pre-Olympic season. There are still a few races, the European Championships, and the World Championships. The World Cup is not the main goal; it is more about the process towards the Olympics in 2026!”
The day was not yet over for Flock, as she prepared to join her teammate Samuel Maier in the mixed team event later that evening, where high expectations surrounded both athletes and the Austrian team as a whole.
Final Standings Overview
Women’s Final Standings:
1. Janine Flock (AUT) 1:57.14
2. Anna Fernstädt (CZE) +0.27
3. Hannah Neise (GER) 0.29
4. Kimberley Bos (NED) 0.46
5. Amelia Coltman (GBR) 0.48
6. Jacqueline Pfeifer (GER) 0.52
14. Julia Erlacher (AUT) 0.77
Men’s Final Standings:
1. Matt Weston (GBR) 1:53.12
2. Samuel Maier (AUT) +0.58
3. Christopher Grotheer (GER) 0.88
4. Wladislaw Heraskewitsch (UKR) 1.20
5. Lin Qinwei (CHN) 1.27
6. Felix Kiesinger (GER) 1.27
25. Alexander Schlintner (AUT) 4.10
Mixed Team Final Standings:
1. China I (Zhao Dan, Lin Qinwei) 2:00.87
2. Austria I (Janine Flock, Samuel Maier) +0.10
3. China II (Li Yuxi, Yin Zheng) 0.41
4. USA 2 (Sara Roderick, Daniel Barefoot) 0.51
5. Germany 1 (Hannah Neise, Felix Keisinger) 0.61
6. USA 1 (Mystique Ro, Austin Florian) 0.64
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