Masters of Olympic Tracks, Coaches from Various Teams, and Mechanics – Latvian Specialists in Demand in Sliding Sports
Latvian specialists are in high demand for sliding sports competitions at the Olympics, contributing notably to teams from different countries.
Latvian specialists are being recognized for their expertise in sliding sports, particularly at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Cortina. The quality of the ice track is managed by ice master Mārtiņš Sausais and his team, while Normunds Kotāns oversees the entire operation of the Cortina track. Various Latvian coaches and mechanics are fulfilling crucial roles for competing teams, showcasing the skills and knowledge that Latvia brings to international sports.
Prominent figures mentioned include Oskars Berķis, who is working with the Brazilian national team as a mechanic while also training young bobsledder Amēlija Kotāne, and Mārtiņš Mihņēvičs, who serves a similar role for the Canadian team. Several former Latvian bobsledders are also lending their expertise to international teams, such as Oskars Ķibermanis with the Slovak women's bobsled team, and Jānis Miņins and Daumants Dreiškens contributing to the Chinese team. These collaborations highlight the significant influence of Latvian expertise in the sport of sliding.
Among these specialists, two-time Olympic silver medalist skeleton athlete Martins Dukurs stands out with his successful coaching of the British team, leading them to win two gold medals at these Olympic Games. His achievements reflect the high standard that Latvian professionals uphold when working with international teams, reinforcing the notion that when Latvians are involved in track management, the outcome is often exceptional. Such recognition not only elevates Latvia’s status in winter sports but also serves as an encouragement for future generations pursuing careers in athletics.