On Thursday, the deputies of the Ventspils City Council awarded short-track athlete Robert Krūzbergs a cash prize of 7,000 euros for his achievements at the Olympic Games. This includes 5,000 euros for winning a bronze medal in the 1500 meters event and 2,000 euros for finishing fifth in the 1000 meters event, both amounts considering tax deductions. Additionally, Krūzbergs's coach, Kārlis Krūzbergs, has also been awarded a cash prize of 3,500 euros, while his initial coaches, Māris Birzulis and Irīna Ozoliņa, each receive 1,500 euros as well.

The Ventspils community is excited to celebrate Krūzbergs's achievements, with a welcoming ceremony planned for February 24 at 21:00 near the "Latvia" concert hall. This recognition highlights Krūzbergs's importance to the local sports scene and the pride he brings to the region. The bronze medal won by Krūzbergs is significant as it marks Latvia's first Olympic medal in short-track speed skating, further cementing the country's positioning in winter sports.

In addition to the local recognition, Krūzbergs may be eligible for a larger cash prize of 51,224 euros for his Olympic performance, which underscores the financial rewards associated with achieving success at such prestigious levels. This scenario emphasizes the growing investment in athlete development within Latvia and reflects the aspirations of the nation to improve its performance on the international sports stage.