From Königssee, GER
(July 18, 2021) – The track in Königssee has been destroyed.
Historic rain and flooding in western Europe has killed over a hundred people and caused devastating damage across a large swath of that area. Among the things that have been ruined is the historic sliding track in Königssee. Completed in 1968, the Königssee sliding track was the first artificially cooled track in the world.
In social media posts beginning Saturday afternoon, videos showed heavy water flowing down the track, with piles of debris piling up on the track. By Sunday morning photos showed the catastrophic damage, with large portions of the track either under debris or entirely turned to rubble caused by flooding and what appeared to be mudslides.
In an interview with the German Press Agency, Thomas Schwab (BSD General Secretary) said that operation this year is out of the question, with hopes to have the track ready for operation for the 2022/2023 season.
In a small piece of good news, Schwab said that the refrigeration system was found to still be intact.
Across the sliding sport world athletes took to social media with their thoughts.
“My heart is broken! Hopefully everyone is okay and healthy,” said Felix Loch. He went on to point out that the track is “…much more than just a bobsled track. It is a place for children and young people, for many volunteers who work for the next generation.”
Dajana Eitberger said “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the flood, across Germany, with all helpers and supporters.”
Just hours before the track began to take on mud and water, German sliding legend Manny Machata had been out at the track. “Speechless,” Machata said. “Happy no one is injured, we have been sliding 4 hours before.”
“Without words,” said Anna Fernstädt of her home track. “In my thoughts with everyone who hit it hardest in Berchtesgaden and surrounding areas.”
“It’s hard to imagine a season without a stop in Königssee,” Canadian skeleton athlete Grace Dafoe said. “Absolutely one of my favourite stops, and they always treat us so well everywhere in town. I hope the Pension we normally stay at is ok as well!”
The devastation to the track obviously will cause a shakeup to both the IBSF and FIL sliding schedules. Currently, Königssee was set to host the third stop of the IBSF World Cup, as well as its traditional “New Years” race to kick off 2022 on the FIL World Cup schedule. In addition to the World Cup events, Königssee was to host both the IBSF Junior World Championships and an Intercontinental Cup event.
Below are photos from the devastation.
