Friedrich wins 9th 2-man world bobsleigh title, leading another German sweep
Francesco Friedrich continues to solidify his status as the greatest bobsledder of all time with yet another world championship victory. The thrilling two-man race at Mount Van Hoevenberg saw Friedrich edge out his German teammate Johannes Lochner by a mere 0.03 seconds over four heart-pounding runs on the icy track.
With this win, Friedrich notched his ninth two-man world championship title and extended his record total to an astounding 15 world titles overall, when including his six titles in the four-man event. The German bobsled maestro will now set his sights on adding another four-man title as the world championships conclude in Lake Placid next week.
Friedrich’s illustrious career also includes four Olympic gold medals, achieved through dominating performances in both the two-man and four-man events at the 2018 and 2022 Games. His unparalleled success on the biggest stages in bobsleigh history sets him apart as a true legend of the sport.
The intense battle for the two-man title saw Friedrich and his partner Alexander Schuller clocking in at 3 minutes, 39.32 seconds, just edging out Lochner and Georg Fleischhauer who finished in 3:39.35. The German dominance was further highlighted by Adam Ammour and Benedikt Hertel completing the podium sweep in 3:40.15.
This victory marks the fourth time in the last five years that Germany has swept the medals in the premier two-man race, showcasing their unparalleled depth and talent in the sport. The German team has consistently raised the bar and set the standard for excellence in bobsleigh competition.
Friedrich’s ability to communicate with his sled and extract maximum speed out of it was commended by his competitors, with U.S. bobsledder Frank Del Duca acknowledging his rival’s exceptional skill and flawless execution on the track.
In a remarkable display of athleticism and precision, Friedrich shattered the track record set by Pierre Lueders of Canada 22 years ago, with a blistering time of 54.60 seconds in Run 3. However, Lochner quickly responded by besting Friedrich’s time with a record-breaking run of 54.52 seconds, setting the stage for a nail-biting final heat.
The final showdown saw Friedrich and Lochner neck and neck, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the race. In the end, Friedrich’s mastery and determination propelled him to victory, clinching the title by a razor-thin margin.
As the bobsleigh world championships continue, all eyes will be on Friedrich as he looks to add to his already unparalleled collection of titles and cement his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.
