<h2>Alex Ferlazzo Targeting Podium Finish at Winter Olympics 2026 – Podium News Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Australian luge champion Alex Ferlazzo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/luge/luge-mens-winter-olympics-2026/men-s-singles-10098442">targets podium finish at Milano Cortina 2026</a> after achieving career-best World Championship fifth place</p> <p>- &nbsp; The 30-year-old Townsville slider benefits from Italian heritage connections with great-grandmother originating near Olympic venue Cortina d'Ampezzo</p> <p>- &nbsp; Enhanced funding from Olympic Winter Institute of Australia and partnership with American sled builder Duncan Kennedy driving recent performance improvements</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>From National Record Holder to Olympic Contender</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ferlazzo's remarkable progression over the past Olympic cycle demonstrates his growing mastery of international luge competition.</p> <p>The Townsville athlete has transformed from a promising competitor to a genuine medal prospect, recording Australia's best-ever Olympic luge result of 16th place at Beijing 2022.</p> <p>His recent achievements include a career-defining fifth-place finish at the 2024 World Championships, establishing a new Australian national record.</p> <p>This performance, combined with his best World Cup result of eighth place, validates more than a decade of dedication since beginning luge competition in 2010.</p> <p>The 30-year-old national record-holder attributes his success to experience and track knowledge accumulated over years of international competition.</p> <p>"Every track is different, so you don't really get into trying to slide fast on tracks until you've learnt them all," Ferlazzo explained, highlighting the sport's technical demands.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Italian Heritage Adds Special Significance</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/olympics">Milano Cortina 2026</a> holds particular meaning for Ferlazzo, whose great-grandparents emigrated from Italy to Australia.</p> <p>His great-grandmother originated from near Cortina d'Ampezzo, where the Olympic luge events will take place next month.</p> <p>This family connection has inspired Ferlazzo to explore his Italian roots through recent visits, providing cultural context that enhances his Olympic preparation.</p> <p>He has already competed at the Milano Cortina Test Event, finishing 20th, and made separate reconnaissance trips to familiarise himself with the venue.</p> <p>"It's absolutely a beautiful, beautiful place. And I can't wait to see it when it's all glammed up for the Olympics," Ferlazzo said of Cortina d'Ampezzo.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Technical Partnerships Drive Performance Gains</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ferlazzo's recent success stems from strategic partnerships, particularly his six-year collaboration with former American luger Duncan Kennedy, who serves as his sled builder.</p> <p>This technical alliance has produced equipment specifically designed for Ferlazzo's requirements and racing style.</p> <p>"He trusts me to relay information back to him about sleds and I trust him to build me something that's reliable and fast," Ferlazzo noted, emphasising the importance of equipment confidence at elite level.</p> <p>Enhanced funding from the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia has also supported Ferlazzo's preparation, providing access to strength and conditioning resources and professional guidance for strategic decisions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Podium Ambitions for Milano Cortina 2026</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With technical improvements, increased support, and intimate knowledge of the Olympic venue, Ferlazzo has set ambitious targets for Milano Cortina 2026.</p> <p>The Australian slider believes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/luge/luge-mens-winter-olympics-2026/men-s-singles-10098442">a podium finish represents an achievable goal</a> if preparation proceeds optimally.</p> <p>"I want to be pushing for the podium, I think that's an achievable goal if prep goes well and everything aligns," Ferlazzo stated confidently.</p> <p>His trajectory from 33rd at Sochi 2014 to potential medal contention at Milano Cortina 2026 exemplifies the long-term development required for Olympic luge success.</p> <p>As Australia's sole international luge competitor, Ferlazzo carries national hopes while pursuing personal excellence in one of winter sports' most technical disciplines.</p>