Team Relay, Mixed

Winning all global team relays (first held at the 2008 World Championship) up to the Olympics, Germany was the clear favorite. All the German competitors had already won an Olympic medal, and the biggest question was maybe which other nations would fill the podium.

After the first six teams had finished Poland was in the lead, with seven teams left, all of them felt to be capable of making the podium. The Russians started slow with their women’s single, but Roman Repilov in the men’s single clocked the second best run of the day. Unfortunately, the double couldn’t keep pace and Russia finished seventh. Latvia was up next, but their singles were not at the level of four years earlier, and even with the Šics-brothers in the double they placed sixth. Italy had a great start with Andrea Vötter in the women’s single, clocking the second best time of the day for the women, but the rest of the team clocked regular times and Italy finished fifth. USA was the next team and after a great run by Chris Mazdzer in the men’s singles they were able to beat Italy by 2/1000ths of a second, eventually placing fourth. The Canadians all competed well and took the lead with only Austria and Germany remaining.

Austria was in the lead after the two singles, especially after a fast run by David Gleirscher. The double could not keep up the pace and Austria had to settle for bronze, behind Canada. The Germans started with Natalie Geisenberger setting the fastest time of the day for the women. Jo Ludwig made a safe run but they were still about 2/10ths ahead of Canada when the double went off. There was then no doubt as to who would win the gold, as Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt had a perfect run as the fastest double.