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Record Doubles World Champion Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken
Photo: Robert Michael / dpa
For 13 years, the two Suhlers threw themselves into every curve together and traveled around the world for the sport of tobogganing, now the sled is to give way to more time with the family: The doubles record world champions Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken end their active luge careers. This was announced by the Thuringians on Tuesday at a press conference in Erfurt.
"It's time for a new chapter in our lives. We go as three-time world champions on our home track in Oberhof. Our active sports history cannot find a better ending," they explained. Both Toni and I have families who were invariably behind us. The gratitude to them cannot be put into words," said Benecken.
The duo won a total of eleven world championship titles and six European championship titles, plus six triumphs in the overall World Cup. On the other hand, the two Suhlers never became Olympic champions, in Beijing they won silver behind Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt, and in Pyeonchang 2018 they won bronze. Already after the competitions in Beijing in February 2022, thoughts of resignation from the "Thuringia Express" had matured.
For national coach Norbert Loch, the resignation of Eggert/Benecken is a hard blow, even if he can understand the decision: "I see it with a bit of sadness, but that's the reality," said Loch, adding: "There is also life after sport."
"Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken have set standards and are sporting role models for future generations of lugers," said Einars Fogelis, President of the International Luge Federation (FIL): "Their professionalism and tireless commitment will remain unforgotten in the luge world."
Benecken became Eggert's partner and backer in 2010, and in 2012 they won their first World Championship medals in Altenberg. In January at the World Championships in the Thuringian Forest, they won the World Championship title at the end of their careers in the classic doubles, sprint and team.
ARA/SID