Josef Feistmantl

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Torch Bearer • Olympic Flagbearer
SexMale
Full nameJosef•Feistmantl
Used nameJosef•Feistmantl
Born23 February 1939 in Absam, Tirol (AUT)
Died10 March 2019 (aged 80 years 15 days)
Measurements180 cm / 90 kg
AffiliationsRV Halltal, Absam (AUT)
NOC Austria
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Josef Feistmantl had a long career in international luge, winning five medals at the World Championships from 1959-71. In 1964 he and Manfred Stengl became the first Olympic champions in doubles luge. Feistmantl’s World Championship medals were all in singles, with a gold in 1969, silvers in 1959 and 1970, and bronzes in 1967 and 1971.

He won three medals at the European Championships, all in doubles, with a gold in 1967 and silvers in 1954 and 1962. Feistmantl won nine Austrian championships, five in singles in 1962-63, 1966-67, and 1970, and four in doubles in 1961 and 1963-65.

In 1976 Feistmantl was chosen to light one of the two Olympic Flames, along with Christl Haas, at the Innsbruck Opening Ceremony. In 1996 he was awarded a Gold Medal for Service to the Austrian Republic. Feistmantl’s career was as an optician.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1964 Winter Olympics Luge AUT Josef Feistmantl
Singles, Men (Olympic) 5
Doubles, Open (Olympic) Manfred Stengl 1 Gold
1968 Winter Olympics Luge AUT Josef Feistmantl
Singles, Men (Olympic) 5
Doubles, Open (Olympic) Wilhelm Biechl 7
1972 Winter Olympics Luge AUT Josef Feistmantl
Singles, Men (Olympic) 10

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1976 Winter Olympics Torchbearer at the Opening Ceremony (Lit flame) AUT Josef Feistmantl
2012 Winter Youth Olympics Olympic flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony AUT Josef Feistmantl

List mentions