Three-time gold medallist Georg Hackl will most likely compete in his sixth Winter Olympics next month in Torino after managing a third-place finish at a World Cup luge race on Saturday.

Hackl, 39, fought from eighth place after the first run to third overall with the fastest second run. Armin Zoeggeler of Italy won from Tony Benshoof of the United States.

"I realised in the second run what is possible. I don't really care about the position, all that counts for me is the Olympics," said Hackl.

Hackl won Olympic gold 1992, 1994 and 1998 and also has silver medals from 1988 and 2002.

He had to undergo back surgery last summer and, plagued by arm problems, said he would only compete in Torino if he had a chance to medal.

The third-place finish Saturday was his second podium of the season, following second place last month in Calgary.

"Everything should be fine for the Olympics now. Georg has performed in a very impressive way," said coach Thomas Schwab.

AP