In a historic moment for winter sports, German skeleton athletes Susanne Kreher and Axel Jungk have achieved something truly special. Competing as Team GER 2 on the legendary Olympia Bobrun in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the duo claimed the very first European Championship gold medal ever awarded in the Skeleton Mixed Team competition. Their achievement represents not just personal triumph, but a meaningful milestone for the entire sport.

The January 9, 2026 event brought together top skeleton athletes from across Europe and beyond, all competing on the challenging Swiss track that winds through St. Moritz-Celerina. For teams from European nations, the IBSF World Cup race doubled as the inaugural continental championship, giving athletes the opportunity to make history in this exciting new format that pairs male and female competitors.

While the overall World Cup victory went to China's Zhao Dan and Yin Zheng, Kreher and Jungk's second place finish secured them the European Championship crown, a distinction they'll carry forever as the first athletes to achieve this honor. The German pair's success showcases the depth of talent in European skeleton sports and highlights Germany's continued excellence in winter sliding sports.

Adding to the celebration, Italy's Alessandra Fumagalli and Amedeo Bagnis earned European Championship silver with their third place World Cup finish. This achievement holds special significance as Italy prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where Skeleton Mixed Team will make its Olympic debut on home ice in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Great Britain's Freya Tarbit and Jacob Salisbury rounded out the European Championship podium with bronze medals.

The Ripple Effect: The introduction of mixed team competition in skeleton represents an important evolution for winter sports, creating new opportunities for athletes and adding excitement for fans worldwide. This format celebrates both individual excellence and teamwork, bringing a fresh dynamic to the traditional solo sport of skeleton racing. As the sport prepares for its Olympic debut next year, events like this championship help build momentum and showcase the incredible skill and courage these athletes display while racing headfirst down icy tracks at breathtaking speeds.

The success of this inaugural championship bodes well for the future of the sport. With multiple nations demonstrating competitive strength, including strong showings from China, the USA, and various European teams, the Olympic competition promises to be thrilling. The overall IBSF World Cup standings show Great Britain 1 leading with 634 points, followed closely by USA 1 and Germany 1, both with 578 points, setting up an exciting finish to the season.

For Kreher and Jungk, this golden achievement represents a career highlight and a permanent place in the record books as pioneers of their sport. Their success story reminds us that in athletics, as in life, being first requires courage, skill, and the willingness to embrace new challenges.