Emily Fischnaller's Journey: Overcoming a Broken Neck to Chase Olympic Gold
Emily Fischnaller, a professional luger, suffered a severe crash at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where she broke her neck, back, and pinky finger after losing control during her final run. The crash was life-changing, and she faced physical, mental, and emotional challenges, including fear and depression, during her recovery. Despite the risks and her injuries, Fischnaller demonstrated resilience, returning to training after six months and winning bronze medals at the World Championships in 2019 and 2025. She made her third Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina 2026, still seeking her first Olympic medal. Her journey reflects her determination to face her fears, overcome trauma, and pursue her passion for luge. She has also engaged in off-track activities, such as founding a non-profit and learning German, to find purpose beyond sports. Fischnaller remains committed to winning an Olympic medal, driven by her relentless attitude and support from her family, teammates, and her husband, fellow Olympian Dominik Fischnaller.
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