Olympic Lovebirds: Emily And Dominik Fischnaller'S Luge Romance

Long-distance relationships can be notoriously tough, especially when they stretch over years. But for Olympic luge stars Emily Sweeney from the USA and Dominik Fischnaller of Italy, the challenge was worth every moment. Their love story, which began as teenagers, recently culminated in marriage after 15 years of dating – a testament to their enduring connection.

Despite the hurdles, Emily and Dominik always found a way to keep their relationship alive, often asking themselves the poignant question: “Are we worth it?” The answer, as Emily Fischnaller (née Sweeney) confirms, was always a resounding "Yes." Now, as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, their shared journey is set to take on a new dimension. Both athletes are serious contenders, with Dominik eyeing his fourth Olympic appearance and Emily her third. The duo hopes to bask in the Olympic spirit together, cherishing the moments beyond the luge tracks.

“It’s like a huge family fest, or party I would say, which just makes it great,” Dominik shared. "And I think we will have more time, I think, than other Olympics where we be more together.” This time, they aim to savor the experience fully, beyond the relentless focus on the sport.

The Fischnallers' love story isn't unique in the Olympic world. Couples like U.S. alpine skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin and Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, along with Latvia's luge pair Martins Bots and Elina Bota, also share similar narratives. Meanwhile, American figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates tied the knot in 2024, joining other athlete couples who balance love and competition.

For Emily and Dominik, the journey to marriage was as swift as their luge runs. They managed to organize a wedding in Italy within nine days, amidst the country's complex regulations. It was an intimate affair, but as Emily recalls, "The actual day, it was pretty perfect." Their new life includes a home built on Dominik's childhood memories, with whispers of starting a family once their competitive days fade.

Both are decorated athletes, with Dominik already an Olympic medalist and Emily a world championship bronze medalist. Their paths haven't been without obstacles – Emily's recovery from a severe crash in 2018 is testament to their resilience. "I tell her she can’t get hurt because I feel the pain even 10,000 times more than she feels her own pain," Dominik confessed.

As they prepare for the Olympics, the Fischnallers remain each other's greatest supporters. Their shared question, "Are we worth it?" will undoubtedly echo once more, with an answer they both know by heart: "We're here. We're happy. And we’re having a good life," Dominik affirms.