LUGE: It has been 20 long years, but today the nation’s second male Luge Olympian can be recorded in the history books. 

Australian teenage Luge sensation, Alex Ferlazzo will make his Olympic debut in February at the Sochi Games, having been selected for the 2014 Australian Olympic Team overnight. 

“I couldn’t be happier,” Ferlazzo said earlier this month when he learned of his Olympic qualification. 

“I am also relieved and excited for the Games. I have been to Sochi, seen the track and the complex. It is amazing and it will be unbelievable when the Games start.”

The Townsville local earned sufficient points during the World Cup season to finish in 38th position on Olympic adjusted results. There are 38 places for male Luge competitors at the Olympic Games. 

“It has been an amazing journey over the past four years,” he said. “It has brought great excitement to my life and I have travelled the world.”

At just 18 years of age, Ferlazzo was not yet born the last time Australia was represented at the Olympic Games in the men’s Luge. The last Australian male to compete in the sport was Roger White, who finished in 32nd place at the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer. 

“I am thrilled to hear of Alex’s selection today,” White said. “He has worked so hard in his relatively short time in the sled and his selection is fantastic for him and great news for our sport and the Australian Olympic movement in general.” 

Ferlazzo started in the sport a little over four years ago when by chance his mother met with a retired Luge athlete during a pilates class- Karen Flynn, Luge Australia’s Recruitment and Development Manager. At the time, he had only touched snow once two years before and had no idea what the sport was.

“I remember Alex and his mother flying down from Townsville to Sydney for his first try out for Luge several years ago and I recall the wide-eyed enthusiasm he showed back then,” White said. 

“He has converted that into Olympic representation. I am thrilled for him and I know he will do Australia proud”.

“Go get ‘em Alex”. 

Ferlazzo represented Australia at the first ever winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in January 2012, finishing a creditable 19th and later that year made history by winning bronze in a Luge Junior World Cup – Australia’s first ever medal at this level.

“The YOG was a learning curve,” the 18-year-old said. “I am still learning. The reality for me at the Sochi Games is putting together four clean runs. This is achievable as well as a stepping stone to next Games.”

To other young Aussies aspiring to compete at the Olympics and Youth Olympics, Ferlazzo says “Never give up on what you believe in. Every mistake is a learning curve. You have to get back on and do it again. I have come off my sled countless times.”

More recently, the teenager has been competing in the World Cup circuit in an attempt to qualify for the Games, sliding and competing with more experienced athletes. 

“I have learnt so much and matured as a Luge athlete,” he said.

“Generally I have improved across the board, however, I have become more aware. When I first started Luge it was about survival, now I am not just sliding but racing. I feel a part of the sled. We work together and are one.”

Ferlazzo has been finalising his Olympic Games preparation in Europe competing on the Junior World Cup circuit in Latvia, Germany and Austria.

He will compete at the Winter Olympics on the first day of Games, during the evening of Saturday 8 February, which is in the early hours of Saturday morning in Australia.