Latvia's bobsleigh crews wrap up underwhelming campaign
The Latvian Olympic Bobsled Team (LOV) concluded the World Championship in 15th place, falling short of state funding qualification. The team's leading pilot, 22-year-old Jēkabs Kalenda, managed a modest season, securing 9th place in the World Cup overall standings in both the twos and fours.
State funding for Latvian Olympic athletes and teams, including the LOV, is typically conditional on their performance and results in international competitions such as the World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games. Funding is often contingent on achieving qualification standards, rankings, or medal prospects that demonstrate potential for success at the Winter Olympics or other elite events.
The Latvian Bobsled team, historically one of Latvia’s strong winter sports teams, influences the chances of state funding renewal for the next season through its competitive results in World Cup circuits and World Championships. Strong results enhance their prospects of receiving continued or increased support from the Latvian Olympic Committee and relevant national sports authorities.
Kalenda's season was marked by a 11th position in the twos crew competition and a 15th place in the fours at the World Championship. LBSF Secretary General Janika Judeika had anticipated higher results but stressed that achieving them is not easy. Over recent years, fans had become accustomed to high level success.
Discussions about the future of the bobsledders are scheduled to take place in mid-April. The head coach, Sandis Prūsis, acknowledges Kalenda's progress in piloting but notes that the expected results in major competitions were not achieved. Not competing in Cortina during the upcoming Olympic season would be a great shame, as a higher result would have helped guarantee the highest funding for the next season.
In light of the team's performance, there is a possibility that bobsledders can be included in the LOV’s highest or 'Golden' squad as an exception for the upcoming Olympic season. Another pilot, Renārs Grantiņš, finished 2nd in the European Cup level. However, the performance of the leading crew in both the two-man and four-man crews is a cause for concern.
After disagreements with the Latvian Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (LBSF), several leading athletes retired. The bobsledders' contracts will expire at the end of April, and discussions about the future are scheduled for mid-April. It is crucial for the team to secure funding and establish a strong strategy for the upcoming Olympic season to maintain their competitive edge.
- The Latvian Olympic Committee and relevant national sports authorities might reconsider funding for the Latvian Bobsled Team, given that Jēkabs Kalenda only managed a 15th place in the fours at the World Championship, despite his progress in piloting.
- To secure continued or increased funding for the next season, the Latvian Bobsled Team, historically one of Latvia’s strong winter sports teams, needs to demonstrate better results in major competitions such as the World Cup circuits, World Championships, or seek exceptional inclusion in the 'Golden' squad for the upcoming Olympic season.
- With Renārs Grantiņš finishing 2nd in the European Cup level and a strong performance from other athletes, the Latvian Bobsled Team must focus on improving the results of the leading crew in both the two-man and four-man crews to maintain their competitive edge and secure state funding for the upcoming Olympic season.
