The 66-year-old double world champion from Berchtesgaden was confirmed unanimously by acclamation at the 62nd FIL Congress in Innsbruck. 

Fendt, the Innsbruck 1976 Olympic silver medalist, as well as world champion in 1970 and 1974, was first elected to this position in June 1994 as successor to FIL founding President, Austrian Bert Isatitsch.

Under Fendt's leadership the number of member federations has increased to 53 as luge has established itself a place in the Winter Olympic Olympics, including the introduction at Sochi 2014 of the team relay event, which proved a success. 

The introduction of luge relay event at Sochi 2014 was a big success ©Getty Images

The Viessmann Luge World Cup series has also become established as the sport's flagship annual event.

American Svein Romstad and Austrian Harald Steyrer were re-elected as secretary general and vice-president of finance respectively 

Latvia's Einars Fogelis was confirmed in his office as vice-president technical matters artificial track and American Claire DelNegro as vice-president sport artificial track.

Austria's Peter Knauseder was elected the new vice-president technical matters natural track, beating Italy's Alfred Jud.

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