No half measures

Great effort – three olympic gold medals, 13 world championship titles, six European championship titles, and seven overall World Cup victories – in singles and with the team – are credited to Felix Loch. The German luge racer was introduced to the sport at a young age, as his parents were also active in it. His father, Norbert, was the national luge coach for many years and only stepped down at the end of last season. Felix Loch quickly showed his talent in the sport, working his way to the top step by step – without parental pressure, as he emphasizes. He intends to take the same approach with his young sons, Lorenz and Ludwig. Lorenz is already following in his father’s footsteps: “It’s nice that he’s trying it out, but we don’t want to create any expectations.”

Consistent - However, the fundamental principles of competitive sports also shape the way Felix and Lisa raise their children: Just as discipline and consistency are needed to progress in training, perseverance also pays off in many other areas of life. “Felix is, of course, a major role model—he’s been doing this at a high level for 20 years,” says Lisa. “If something is worth doing, it should be done right,” Felix adds. “The concept of daily training to become successful is something we apply in our parenting every day,” the couple confirms with a smile. Even the older brother applies it to the younger one: “Dad only got so good because he trained every day, and you have to read every day to get better at it.” However, the eight- and six-year-olds don’t hold back in return, sharply critiquing their father if he doesn’t take the fastest line through the ice track: “What was that run supposed to be?”

Committed – When autumn arrives, the start of the high season for the luge racer brings an intense period of competitions and travel. “In the end, it’s just a regular job,” Loch says. For the family at home, it marks the beginning of a long period without him. “To be completely honest, we live seasonally. In summer, we live intensely as a family. Felix supports me a lot so I can focus on my work,” says Lisa, who owns a sports management agency and helps young female athletes in their careers. In winter, she mostly handles family matters on her own.

How do they make their partnership work? Both laugh and wave the question away, saying, “Next question, please. But we’re happy to take any advice!” Lisa Loch openly admits: “Maintaining a relationship is really tough. We live for our children, and Felix is deeply committed to his sport. But we do make time for dinner outings or short trips alone. That’s when we call in Grandma and Grandpa, who are more than happy to help.” The couple has been together since 2010, and “over the last 15 years, our workload has steadily increased,” Lisa notes.

They are also deeply committed to charitable causes. One of Lisa’s biggest concerns: “I want our children to go through the world with open arms and eyes, recognizing where help is needed.” As part of their work with “Athletes for Ukraine,” they support sports days for refugee children. They also volunteer as sponsors for the children’s aid organization Plan International, which took them to Malawi last summer. “We have to look, not look away,” the couple emphasizes. Their sons are already involved in their humanitarian efforts—for example, when the family visits evacuated, severely disabled orphans from Ukraine in their area. “Inclusion is very important to me. I have to show my children that it works,” Lisa Loch insists. “Children need to learn empathy and understand that it’s perfectly okay to be different.”

Motivated – Can they talk about life after competitive sports? “When Felix stops racing, the pressure will definitely ease,” Lisa Loch says. But Felix isn’t thinking about that yet: “Lisa knows how much I love this—right after my family. If I couldn’t do it anymore for whatever reason, I’d probably be unbearable. As long as I’m successful, I’ll keep sliding down that track for another year or two,” he says with a grin.

“He’s still as passionate about it as on day one. Maintaining that level of motivation consistently—I really admire that.” And what recharges Lisa’s energy? “For me, work is relaxation,” she says, “but also time with friends and a Saturday on the couch with no one whining.” As simple as that sounds, it’s a rare luxury. Because the next prank—from a computer covered in permanent marker to a wall decorated with colorful stamps—is just around the corner.