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Population in 2005 2,306,600
Latvians 58,2%, Russians 29,2%,
Belorussians 4,0%, other nationalities 8,6%
Official language Latvian – a Baltic language, belongs to the Indo-European language family and uses the Latin alphabet
Most commonforeign languages English, Russian and German.
Capital Riga
Politics Latvia is a democratic parliamentary republic
President Vaira VIKE–FREIBERGA
Prime Minister Aigars KALVITIS
Latvia is a member of the European Union sinceMay 2004
History The Republic of Latvia was founded onNovember 18, 1918. It has been continuously recognised as a state by othercountries since 1920 despite occupation by the Soviet Union (1940 – 1941, 1945 – 1991)and Nazi Germany (1941 – 1945). On August21, 1991 Latvia declared the restoration ofits de facto independence.
Geography Latvia is one of the three Baltic States (Estonia,Latvia, Lithuania).
Area 64,589 sq.km or 24,937 sq.miles. Length ofLatvia’s Baltic coastline 494 km.
Highest point Gaizinkalns, 311,6 m.
Longest river within the territory The Gauja, 452 km
Climate Moderate climate with an average temperatureof +15.8°C in summer and – 4.5°C in winter.
Sources http:// www.li.lv
Republic of Latvia, abbreviated: Latvia
Latvian Latvija
German Lettland
French Lettonie
Spanish Letonia
LATVIA
3 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
For the twentieth time Winter Olympic Games in Torino will unite notonly athletes but also sport fans and supporters all over the world.During seventeen days of Olympiad sport supporters and enthusiastsin Latvia, too, will attentively follow most exciting moments of fortuneor misfortune of athletes.
At the Torino 2006 Games, Latvia will be represented by 58 athletes- the biggest delegation in our Olympic history: 23 hockey-players, 8 luge sledders, 10 bobsledders, 2 alpine skiers, 4 cross countryskiers, 9 biathletes, 1 skeleton slider and 1 short track skater.
I am convinced that everyone is full of determination to win, not tolose – as in sport the last word belongs to the athlete, regardless ofthe scientists’ findings, medical experts’ recommendations or coach-es’ instructions.
Being aware of the severe competition to be expected in Torino, I dowish a good success to every one and all the athletes together!
I do wish a lot of positive emotions and a good mood to our sportsupporters and fans that are well known for their excellent team-workand encouraging attitude not only to our own athletes and sportfriends but also rivals.
Thousands of people have invested in the organization of the OlympicGames. On behalf of the Latvian team I express our gratitude to theInternational Olympic Committee and the organizers of the TorinoOlympic Games for this wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sportiveand festive atmosphere in Italy!
Good success!
Aldons VrublevskisPresident
Latvian Olympic Committee
O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Uniforms
6 7 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Function: President of the Republic of LatviaBorn: December 1, 1937, Riga, LATSex: F
Function: Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia
Born: June 27, 1966, Riga, LATSex: M
Function: Accompanying GuestBorn: March 12, 1934, Valmiera, LATSex: M
Function: Minister of Education and ScienceBorn: May 29, 1958, Riga, LATSex: F
Aigars KALVITISVaira VIKE-FREIBERGA
Imants FREIBERGS Ina DRUVIETE
Function: Deputy Chef de MissionBorn: October 11, 1979, Riga, LATSex: MOG: As an official in 2004 OG
Function: Press AttacheBorn: June 5, 1971, Aluksne, LATSex: FOG: As Press Attache in 2004 OG
8 9 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Function: President, Latvian Olympic CommitteeBorn: June 2, 1957, Jelgava region, LATSex: MOG: As LOC Secretary General in 1992,
1996, 2000, 2004 OG and 1992,1994, 1998, 2002 OWG
Function: Deputy Chef de MissionBorn: March 26, 1970, Madona, LATSex: MOG: As Deputy Chef de Mission
in 2002 OWG and as an official in 2004 OG
Function: Secretary General, Latvian OlympicCommittee
Born: April 30, 1960, Sigulda, LATSex: MOG: As Leader of luge and bobsleigh team
in 1992, as Assistant Chef de Missionin 1994 OWG, Chef de Mission 1996,2000, 2004 OG and 1998, 2002OWG
Andris LUPIKS
Einars FOGELIS Raitis KESELIS
Function: Chef de MissionBorn: January 22, 1957, Tukums, LATSex: MOG: As an athlete (silver medal
in rowing) in 1980, and Chef de Mission in 1994 OWG
Aldons VRUBLEVSKIS
Zorzs TIKMERS Marita VILCINA
Ivars CIAGUNS
1 0 1 1 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Alpine skiing since: 1981First Coach: Janis CIAGUNS (father)
Coach: Janis CIAGUNS (father)OWG: 1998 – 34. super G
2002 – 25. slalomWC: 2005 – 39. slalom; 41. super G
2003 – 45. slalom; 48. super G2001 – 33. slalom
OWG 2006:
Event: Super GBorn: March 14, 1977, Riga, LATH/W: 184cm/90kgSex: M
Hobbies: Fishing, cycling, travelling, water sport
First Coach: Daigars DORSS (father)Coach: Daigars DORSS (father)
Dinars DORSS (brother)OWG: No previous presence WJC: 2004 – 85. super G
OWG 2006:
Event: Downhill, SLK, DHKBorn: October 13, 1985, Sigulda, LATH/W: 188cm/88kgSex: M
Hobbies: Beach volleyball
Ivars CIAGUNS
Renars DORSS
Function: Team leaderBorn: September 6, 1951, Aizkraukle, LATSex: M
OWG: As a coach in 1998, 2002
Function: CoachBorn: August 5, 1983, Sigulda, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Janis CIAGUNS
Dinars DORSS
1 2 1 3 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Biathlon since: 1987First Coach: Tatjana BELONOGOVA
Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICSSkis: Madshus
OWG: 2002 – biathlon 58. Spr, 63. Ind1998 – cross-country 53. (30 km) 66. (10 km)
78. (5 km)WCup: 2001 – 57. Spr
OWG 2006
Born: March 21, 1970,Severomorsk, RUS
H/W: 161cm/50kgSex: F
Hobbies: AerobicsBiathlon since: 1998
First Coach: Janis ANCSCoach: Maris CAKARS
Skis: FischerOWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 65. Ind, 15. Spr, 29. Pur, 21. MixRel
2004 – 60. Ind, 77. Spr2003 – 48. Ind, 56. Spr, 48. Pur2002 – 28. Ind, 14. Spr, 22. Pur
JWCH: 2003 – 13. Ind, 6. Spr, 8. Pur2002 – 28. Ind, 14. Spr, 22. Pur2001 – 33. Ind, 16. Spr, 11. Pur2000 – 39. Ind, 48. Spr, 46. Pur
WCup Total: 2005 – 62.
OWG 2006
Born: August 10, 1982, Gulbene, LATH/W: 167cm/60kgSex: F
Hobbies: Reading, swimming
Biathlon since: 2001First Coach: Ilze CEKULE
Coach: Maris CAKARSSkis: Atomic
OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 84. Ind, 89. Spr
JWCH: 2005 – 38. Ind, 30. Spr, 34. Pur
OWG 2006
Born: November 26, 1984, Cesis, LATH/W: 166cm/56kgSex: F
Hobbies: Open air activities
Biathlon since: 1999First Coach: Voldemars MEZITIS
Coach: Maris CAKARSSkis: Fischer
OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 67. Ind., 75. Spr, 21. MixRel
2004 – 61. IndJWCH: 2004 – 50. Ind, 40. Spr, 22. Pur
2003 – 52. Ind, 9. Spr, 18. Pur2002 – 11. Ind, 18. Spr, 32. Pur
OWG 2006:
Born: January 1, 1984, Gulbene, LATH/W: 171cm/70kgSex: F
Hobbies: Music
Anzela BRICE Madara LIDUMA
Gerda KRUMINA
Linda SAVLAKA
1 4 1 5 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Biathlon since: 1992First Coach: Ilze CEKULE
Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICSSkis: Madshus
OWG: 2002 WCH: 2005 – 58. Ind, 29. Spr, 37. Pur, 19. Rel,
21. MixRel2004 – 83. Spr, 13. Rel
JWCH: 2003 – 59. Spr, 40. Pur, 11. Rel2002 – 7. Ind, 7. Spr, 13. Pur, 10. Rel2001 – 42. Ind2000 – 32. Ind, 69. Spr
OWG 2006
Born: January 9, 1984, Cesis, LATH/W: 194cm/84kgSex: M
Hobbies: Water-motosport, cycling
Biathlon since: 1984First coach: Augusts UPENS
Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICS Skis: Madshus
OWG: 1992 – 61. Ind, 39. Spr, 16. Rel1994 – 41. Spr, 16. Rel1998 – 5. Ind, 32. Spr, 6. Rel2002 – 39. Ind, 40. Spr, 51. Pur, 17. Rel
WCH: 1993 – 79. Spr1995 – Ind, 35. Spr, 12. Rel, 7. Tm1996 – 30. Ind, 13. Spr, 11. Rel, 13. Tm1997 – 16. Ind, 23. Spr, 18. Pur, 12. Ref, 12. Tm1998 – 9. Pur, 8. Tm1999 – 10. Ind, 12. Spr, 6. Pur, 15. Mas, 5. Rel2000 – 30. Spr, 31. Pur, 14. Mas, 6. Rel2001 – 3. Ind, 40. Spr, 22. Pur, 8. Mas, 9. Rel2002 – 8. Mas2003 – 18. Ind, 33. Spr, 12. Pur, 4. Mas, 12. Rel2004 – 30. Ind, 45. Spr, 28. Pur, 13. Rel2005 – 38. Ind, 3. Spr, 14. Pur, 13. Mas, 19. Rel
WCup Total: 2005 – 16.2004 – 62.2003 – 18.2002 – 28.2001 – 17.2000 – 20.
OWG 2006
Born: July 9, 1970, Riga, LATH/W: 181cm/72kgSex: M
Hobbies: Music, driving
Biathlon since: 1992First Coach: Karlis BIBERS
Coach: Intars BERKULISSkis: Fischer
OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 92. Ind
2004 – 72. IndJWCH: 2003 – 40. Ind, 35. Spr, 25. Pur, 11. Rel
2002 – 20. Spr, 30. Pur, 10. Rel2001 – 22. Spr, 18. Pur, 5. Rel
OWG 2006
Born: May 28, 1982, Aluksne, LATH/W: 174cm/64kgSex: M
Hobbies: Music, cars
Janis BERZINS Ilmars BRICIS
Kristaps LIBIETIS
1 6 1 7 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Biathlon since: 1996First Coach: Ilgonis POGULIS
Coach: Ilgonis POGULISSkis: Fischer
OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 54. Spr, 42. Pur, 19. Rel
JWCH: 2004 – 6. Ind, 13. Spr, 15. Pur2003 – 45. Ind, 6. Spr, 11. Pur2002 – 17. Ind, 44. Spr, 35. Pur, 10. Rel2001 – 36. Spr, 23. Pur, 5. Rel2000 – 71. Spr, 13. Rel
OWG 2006
Born: July 17, 1983, Cesis, LATH/W: 178cm/72kgSex: M
Hobbies: Football, fishing
Function: Team leaderBorn: February 4, 1948, Rezekne, LATSex: M
OWG: As a coach in 1992, 1994, 1998,2002
Biathlon since: 1988First Coach: Egils ZINGITIS
Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICSSkis: Salomon
OWG: 2002WCH: 2005 – 53. Ind, 48. Spr, 39. Pur, 19. Rel, 21. MixRel
2004 – 46. Spr, 47. Pur, 13. Rel2003 – 49. Ind, 50. Spr, 43. Pur, 12. Rel2001 – 70. Ind, 62. Spr2000 – 37. Spr, 56. Pur
WCup Total: 2005 – 77.; 2003 – 76.2002 – 82.; 2001 – 50.
OWG 2006
Born: August 18, 1976, Madona, LATH/W: 186cm/79kgSex: M
Hobbies: Cycling
Function: CoachBorn: July 30, 1963, Lizums, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Edgars PIKSONS Vitalijs URBANOVICS
Raivis ZIMELIS
Maris CAKARS
Function: CoachBorn: February 27, 1965, Cesis, LATSex: M
OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998As a coach in 2002
Aivars BOGDANOVS
1 8 1 9 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
First Coach: Rihards KOTANSCoach: Janis SKRASTINS
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 19. (2x); 9. (4x)
2004 – 15. (2x); 9. (4x)WJCH: 2004 – 1. (2x); 1. (4x)
WCup Total: 2004/05 – 13. (2x); 6. (4x)2003/04 – 12. (2x); 12. (4x)
ECH: 2004 – 15. (2x); 8. (4x)ECup Final: 2002/03 – 2. (2x); 2. (4x)
OWG 2006
Position: PilotBorn: August 15, 1980, Kuldiga, LATH/W: 185cm/99kgSex: M
Hobbies: Fishing
First Coach: Ilze AVOTINACoach: Rihards KOTANS
OWG: No previous presenceWJCH: 2005 – 7. (2x); 8. (4x)
2003 – 7. (4x)ECH: 2004 – 16. (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: May 7, 1979, Limbazi, LATH/W: 186cm/92kgSex: M
Hobbies: Sports, computers
Janis MININS
Maris BOGDANOVS
First Coach: Rihards KOTANSCoach: Rihards KOTANS
OWG: No previous presenceWJCH: 2005 – 5. (2x); 8. (4x)
2004 – 18. (2x); 8. (4x)
OWG 2006
Position: PilotBorn: November 10, 1984,
Sigulda, LATH/W: 183cm/88kgSex: M
Hobbies: Football
First Coach: Rihards KOTANSCoach: Ivars CAKURS
OWG: 2002 – 13. (2x); 12. (4x)WCH: 2005 – 20. (2x)
2004 – 10. (2x); 14. (4x)2003 – 5. (2x); 12. (4x)2001 – 15. (2x); 13. (4x)
WCup Total: 2004/05 – 16. (2x); 18. (4x)1003/04 – 8. (2x); 17. (4x)2002/03 – 12. (2x); 13. (4x)
ECH: 2004 – 9. (2x); 16. (4x)2003 – 10. (2x); 14. (4x)2002 – 16. (2x); 17. (4x)
OWG 2006
Position: PilotBorn: April 15, 1976, Ventspils, LATH/W: 184cm/91kgSex: M
Hobbies: Beach volleyball
Mihails ARHIPOVS
Gatis GUTS
2 0 2 1 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
First Coach: Janis OZOLINSCoach: Ivars CAKURS
OWG: 2002 – 13. (2x); 12. (4x)WCH: 2005 – 20. (2x)
2004 – 10. (2x); 14. (4x)2003 – 5. (2x); 12. (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: September 22, 1979, Sigulda, LAT
H/W: 197cm/93kgSex: M
Hobbies: Snowboard
First Coach: Ivars CAKURSCoach: Himself
OWG: 2002 – 7. (4x)1998 – 6. (4x)
WCH: 2005 – 9. (4x)2004 – 9. (4x)2003 – 5. (4x)2001 – 4. (4x)2000 – 10. (2x); 5. (4x)
ECH: 2004 – 8. (4x)2003 – 1. (4x)2001 – 4. (4x)2000 – 8. (2x); 2. (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: December 4, 1972, Jurmala, LATH/W: 183cm/88kgSex: M
Hobbies: Cars, music
First Coach: Juris BASKERSCoach: Rihards KOTANS
OWG: No previous presenceWJCH: 2005 – 5. (2x); 8. (4x)
2004 – 15. (2x); 8. (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: March 28, 1984, Gulbene, LATH/W: 193cm/103kgSex: M
Hobbies: Basketball
First Coach: Brigita KRAUZECoach: Janis SKRASTINS
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 9. (4x)
2004 – 9. (4x)WJCH: 2004 – 1. (4x)
ECH: 2005 – 8. (4x)2004 – 14. (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: October 13, 1980,Aizkraukle, LAT
H/W: 187cm/102kgSex: M
Hobbies: Fishing
Intars DICMANIS Janis OZOLS
Daumants DREISKENS
Ainars PODNIEKS
2 2 2 3 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
First Coach: Jekabs KUPSIS, Rihards KOTANSCoach: Janis SKRASTINS
OWG: No previous presenceWJCH: 2004 – 8. (4x)
ECH: 2004 (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: September 1, 1982, Valmiera, LATH/W: 181cm/86kgSex: M
Hobbies: Swimming
First Coach: Uldis DZENISCoach: Ivars CAKURS
OWG: 2002 – 11. (2x); 7. (4x)WCH: 2005 – 19. (2x); 9. (4x)
2004 – 15. (2x); 14. (4x)2003 – 7. (2x); 5. (4x)2001 – 4. (4x)2000 – 10. (2x)
ECH: 2005 – 12. (2x); 14. (4x)2003 – 1. (4x)2001 – 9. (2x); 4. (4x)
OWG 2006
Born: January 31, 1979, Valka, LATH/W: 187cm/86kgSex: M
Hobbies: Cinema
Reinis ROZITIS
Marcis RULLISFunction: Administrative personnel
Born: May 17, 1958, Pabazi, LATSex: M
OWG: As a bobsleigh athlete in 1984 and 1998 (USSR team), 1992 and 1994 (LAT team)
Zintis EKMANIS
Function: CoachBorn: March 10, 1956, Livani, LATSex: M
OWG: As a bobsleigh athlete in 1984 (USSR team)As a coach in 1994, 1998, 2002
Rihards KOTANS
Function: Team leaderBorn: July 7, 1955, Renceni, LATSex: M
OWG: As a bobsleigh athlete in 1984 (USSR team)As a coach in 1988 (USSR team) As Latvian team leader in 1992 and1994, as US coach in 1998 and 2002.
Janis SKRASTINS
Function: Technical personnelBorn: January 10, 1967, Ogre, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Gints SEVICS-MIKELSEVICS
First Coach: Ingus EIDUKSCoach: Ingus EIDUKS
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 92.(15 km)
WJCH: 2005 – 67. (10 km); 69. (20 km); 74. Spr2004 – 50. (10 km); 26. (30 km); 61. Spr
OWG 2006
2 4 2 5 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
First Coach: Anatolijs LEVSACoach: Ivans AFANASJEVS
OWG: No previous presenceWJCH: 2000 – 93. (10 km)
ECH: Triathlon – 2003 – 4. Rel, 5. Ind
OWG 2006
Born: September 12, 1980, Kraslava, LAT
H/W: 177cm/68kgSex: M
Hobbies: Music, triathlon
Born: October 21, 1986, Jekabpils, LAT
H/W: 179cm/64kgSex: M
Hobbies: Music, football
Olegs ANDREJEVS
Valts EIDUKS
First Coach: Nikolajs SOLOVJOVSCoach: Svetlana BRUVERE
OWG: Biathlon – 2002 – 17. Rel, 46. Spr,1998 – 6. Rel, 6. Spr1994 – 16. Rel, 40. Ind1992 – 16. Rel, 13. Spr, 69. Ind
WCH: Biathlon – 2004 – 13. Rel, 30. Spr, 42. Ind2003 – 12. Rel, 15. Ind, 26. Spr2001 – 9. Rel, 21. Spr
WCup Total: Biathlon – 2003/04 - 57.2002/03 – 63.2001/02 – 45.2000/01 – 49.1999/00 – 17.
ECH: Biathlon – 2004 – 6. Rel, 40. Spr2003 – 10. Rel, 9. Ind2002 – 3. Rel, 1. Spr, 20. Ind
OWG 2006
Born: May 6, 1969, Daugavpils, LATH/W: 183cm/78kgSex: M
Hobbies: Cars, reading
First Coach: Janis MICULISCoach: Ilgonis POGULIS
OWG: No previous presenceECH: Biathlon – 2003 – 37. Ind, 54. Spr
2001 – 53. Ind, 59. Spr
OWG 2006
Born: December 20, 1980,Jelgava, LAT
H/W: 186cm/80kgSex: M
Hobbies: Fishing, football
Olegs MALUHINS
Intars SPALVINS
2 6 2 7 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Function: Team leaderBorn: February 4, 1960, Preili, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Ingus EIDUKS
Function: CoachBorn: September 1, 1958, Daugavpils, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Anatolijs LEVSA
WC GP MIP GA GAAGames LostNational goals
10 60 3525 140 2.38
Position: Goal-keeperClub: Red Bulls Salzburg, AUTBorn: February 2, 1967, Riga, LATH/W: 175cm/82kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Arturs IRBE
WC GP MIP GA GAAGames LostNational goals
4 38 2156 86 2.39
Position: Goal-keeperClub: Neftyanik Almetyevsk, RUSBorn: March 31, 1980, Riga, LATH/W: 175cm/78kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Edgars MASALSKIS
WC GP MIP GA GAAGames LostNational goals
5 74 4247 153 2.16
Position: Goal-keeperClub: Khimik Voskresensk, RUSBorn: April 4, 1969, Riga, LATH/W: 177cm/78kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Sergejs NAUMOVS
2 8 2 9 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
WC GP G A PTS PIM4 109 10 31 41 75
WC GP G A PTS PIM2 40 4 6 10 44
Position: Defence man Club: Augsburger Panthers, GERBorn: January 1, 1979, Jurmala, LATH/W: 183cm/95kgOWG: No previous presence
Arvids REKIS
WC GP G A PTS PIM2 29 2 1 3 24
Position: Defence man Club: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, RUSBorn: January 15, 1982, Riga, LATH/W: 186cm/98kgOWG: No previous presence
Agris SAVIELS
WC GP G A PTS PIM7 131 26 35 61 89
Position: Defence man Club: Colorado Avalanche, NHLBorn: July 9, 1974, Riga, LATH/W: 188cm/85kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Karlis SKRASTINS
WC GP G A PTS PIM8 122 10 8 18 98
Position: Defence man Club: Mora IK, SWEBorn: October 14, 1976, Ogre, LATH/W: 188cm/98kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Atvars TRIBUNCOVS
Position: Defence manClub: Riga 2000, LATBorn: February 9, 1974, Riga, LATH/W: 180cm/88kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Igors BONDAREVS
WC GP G A PTS PIM5 71 10 12 22 66
Position: Defence manClub: Black Wings, AUTBorn: April 26, 1970, Riga, LATH/W: 190cm/92kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Viktors IGNATJEVS
WC GP G A PTS PIM7 144 13 24 37 98
Position: Defence manClub: Brynas, SWEBorn: August 3, 1974, Riga, LATH/W: 178cm/88kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Rodrigo LAVINS
WC GP G A PTS PIM0 32 1 3 4 16
Position: Defence manClub: Riga 2000, LATBorn: June 11, 1981, Riga, LATH/W: 186cm/84kgOWG: No previous presence
Georgijs PUJACS
3 0 3 1 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
WC GP G A PTS PIM2 52 5 19 24 53
WC GP G A PTS PIM7 138 20 42 62 44
Position: Forward Club: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, RUSBorn: September 16, 1976, Riga, LATH/W: 175cm/85kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Aleksandrs NIZIVIJS
WC GP G A PTS PIM6 104 28 26 54 71
Position: Forward Club: Dmitrov, RUSBorn: November 13, 1972, Gastello, RUSH/W: 178cm/90kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Grigorijs PANTELEJEVS
WC GP G A PTS PIM1 29 6 3 9 4
Position: Forward Club: IF Bjorkloven Umea, SWEBorn: July 1, 1984, Riga, LATH/W: 179cm/75kgOWG: No previous presence
Mikelis REDLIHS
WC GP G A PTS PIM9 180 46 39 85 175
Position: Forward Club: Malmo Redhawks, SWEBorn: June 8, 1972, Riga, LATH/W: 181cm/91kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Aleksandrs SEMJONOVS
Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LATBorn: November 29, 1975, Riga, LATH/W: 183cm/83kgOWG: No previous presence
Girts ANKIPANS
WC GP G A PTS PIM0 12 3 2 5 26
Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LATBorn: December 27, 1983, Riga, LATH/W: 192cm/90kgOWG: No previous presence
Armands BERZINS
WC GP G A PTS PIM9 147 48 55 103 32
Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LATBorn: January 12, 1972, Riga, LATH/W: 175cm/78kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Aigars CIPRUSS
WC GP G A PTS PIM0 24 9 6 15 6
Position: Forward Club: Metalurgs Liepaja, LATBorn: April 22, 1980, Riga, LATH/W: 175cm/85kgOWG: No previous presence
Vladimirs MAMONOVS
3 2 3 3 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
WC GP G A PTS PIM3 66 18 21 39 12
WC GP G A PTS PIM1 37 6 8 14 16
Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LATBorn: November 29, 1980, Cesis, LATH/W: 180cm/85kgOWG: No previous presence
Martins CIPULIS
WC GP G A PTS PIM6 128 28 30 58 32
Position: Forward Club: Odense Bulldogs, DENBorn: June 26, 1975, Riga, LATH/W: 177cm/80kgOWG: 2002- 9th place
Aleksandrs MACIJEVSKIS
WC GP G A PTS PIM3 27 8 23 31 57
Position: Defence man Club: Anaheim Mighty Ducks (NHL)Born: August 3, 1972, Riga, LATH/W: 188cm/92kgOWG: No previous presence
Sandis OZOLINS
WC GP G A PTS PIM34 2 2 4 14
Position: Defence man Club: New Jersey DevilsBorn: January 15, 1981, Riga, LATH/W: 189cm/87kgOWG: No previous presence
Krisjanis REDLIHS
Position: Forward Club: HPK Haamelinna, FINBorn: January 31, 1982, Riga, LATH/W: 190cm/105kgOWG: No previous presence
Janis SPRUKTS
WC GP G A PTS PIM9 182 60 77 137 124
Position: Forward Club: EHC Basel, SUIBorn: September 26, 1970, Riga, LATH/W: 176cm/85kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Leonids TAMBIJEVS
WC GP G A PTS PIM4 35 2 10 12 20
Position: Forward Club: Krefeld Pinguine, GERBorn: May 27, 1976, Riga, LATH/W: 180cm/75kgOWG: 2002 – 9th place
Herberts VASILJEVS
WC GP G A PTS PIM1 13 1 2 3 2
Position: Defence manClub: Stockton Thunder, ECHLBorn: July 3, 1978, Talsi, LATH/W: 178cm/78kgOWG: No previous presence
Maris ZIEDINS
3 4 3 5 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Function: Team LeaderLHF President
Born: November 5, 1940, Liepaja, LATOWG: 2002
Function: Coach Born: January 2, 1963,
Ustj Katav, RUSOWG: No previous presence
Kirovs LIPMANS
Function: Coach Born: July 6, 1958,
Kirova district, RUSOWG: No previous presence
Leonids BERESNEVS
Function: Coach Born: April 17, 1962, Riga, LATOWG: As a goal-keeper 1988,
Olympic Champion
Vitalijs SAMOILOVS
Olegs ZNAROKS
Function: Administrative personnelBorn: May 24, 1955, Riga, LATOWG: As a coach in 2002
Maris BALDONIEKS
Function: Technical personnelBorn: April 26, 1957, Riga, LATOWG: 2002
Mihails SOSTAKS
Function: Coach Born: April 30, 1968, Riga, LATOWG: As an athlete, flag bearer, 2002
Harijs VITOLINS
3 6 3 7 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
First Coach: Peteris CIMANISCoach: Vera ZOZULA
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 19.; 2004 – 17.
2003 – 16.WCup Total: 2004/05 – 23.
2003/04 – 27.2002/03 – 21.2001/02 – 28.
ECH: 2004 – 9., 6. (Team)
OWG 2006
Event: SinglesBorn: February 18, 1977, Saulkrasti, LATH/W: 177cm/74kgSex: F
Hobbies: Cycling, shopping
First Coach: Aivars KALNINS, Janis OZOLINSCoach: Peteris CIMANIS
OWG: 2002 – 18.WCH: 2003 – 17.
WJCH: 2003 – 5.2002 – 13.2001 – 9.
WCup Total: 2004/05 – 27.2002/03 – 28.2001/00 - 44.
OWG 2006
Event: SinglesBorn: November 28, 1983, Riga, LATH/W: 173cm/67kgSex: F
Hobbies: Sport, reading, travelling
First Coach: Vera ZOZULACoach: Vera ZOZULA
OWG: 2002 – 9.; 1998 – 13.1994 – 9.1992 – 11.
WCH: 2005 – 8., Team – 10.2004 – 7., Team – 6.2003 – 4., Team – 2.2001 – 12.
WCup Total: 2004/05 – 13.2003/04 – 6.2002/03 – 7.2001/02 - 18.
OWG 2006
Event: SinglesBorn: August 23, 1972, Riga, LATH/W: 175cm/84kgSex: F
Hobbies: Music, computer
First Coach: Janis OZOLINSCoach: Vera ZOZULA
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 22.
WJCH: 2001 – 18.WCup Total: 2004/05 – 27.
2003/04 – 20.2002/03 – 31.2001/00 – 63.
OWG 2006
Event: SinglesBorn: December 23, 1982, Ogre, LATH/W: 181cm/80kgSex: M
Hobbies: Relaxing
Aiva APARJODE Maija TIRUMA
Anna ORLOVA Kaspars DUMPIS
3 8 3 9 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
First Coach: Dana SAULECoach: Peteris CIMANIS
OWG: 2002 – 29.1998 – 17.
WCH: 2005 – 18.2004 – 18., Team – 6.2003 – 17.2001 – 34.
WCup Total: 2003/04 – 15.2002/03 – 33.2001/02 – 26.2000/01 – 28.
ECH: 2002 – 17.
OWG 2006
Event: SinglesBorn: November 3, 1974, Riga, LATH/W: 176cm/84kgSex: M
Hobbies: Fishing, home design
First Coach: Eva HOFMANECoach: Janis LIEPA
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 10.
2004 – 10.WCup Total: 2004/05 – 14.
2003/04 – 24.
OWG 2006
Event: DoublesBorn: April 26, 1983, Sigulda, LATH/W: 174cm/75kgSex: M
Hobbies: Autosport, travelling
Guntis REKIS
First Coach: Eva HOFMANECoach: Janis LIEPA
OWG: No previous presenceWCH: 2005 – 10.
2004 – 10.WCup Total: 2004/05 – 14.
2003/04 – 24.
OWG 2006
Event: DoublesBorn: May 12, 1985, Sigulda, LATH/W: 179cm/80Sex: M
Hobbies: Snowboard, travelling
Andris SICS
First Coach: Dace GODSCoach: Janis LIEPA
OWG: 2002 – did not finish1998 – 14.
WCH: 2005 – 11., Team – 10.2004 – 3.2003 – 2.2001 – 29.2000 – 11.
WCup Total: 2004/05 – 13.2003/04 – 18.2002/03 – 11.2001/02 – 34.2000/01 – 25.
OWG 2006
Event: SinglesBorn: September 26, 1978, Riga, LATH/W: 183cm/83kgSex: M
Hobbies: Snowboard, beach volleyball, BMX
Martins RUBENIS
Juris SICS
4 0 4 1 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Function: Team leaderBorn: March 29, 1958, Talsi, LATSex: M
OWG: As a coach in 2002
First Coach: Dainis DUKURSCoach: Dainis DUKURS
OWG: No previous presenceWJCH: 2004 – 26.
2003 – 11.WCup Total: 2004/05 – 19.
ECH: 2004 – 10.
OWG 2006
Born: March 31, 1984, Riga, LATH/W: 179cm/67kgSex: M
Hobbies: Music
Peteris CIMANIS
Function: CoachBorn: September 5, 1955, Ranka, LATSex: M
OWG: As a coach in 1998
Aivars KALNINS
Function: Technical personnelBorn: July 15, 1976, Cesis, LATSex: M
OWG: As an athlete in 1998 (singles–25.), in 2002 (doubles - 10.)
Sandris BERZINS
Function: Technical personnelBorn: March 24, 1957, Tukums, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Janis LIEPA
Martins DUKURS
Function: CoachBorn: January 24, 1957, Aluksne, LATSex: M
OWG: As a coach in 2002
Dainis DUKURS
Function: CoachBorn: July 2, 1981, Riga, LATSex: M
OWG: As an athlete in 2002 (21.)
Tomass DUKURS
First coach: Lasma KAUNISTECoach: Jeroen OTTER
OWG: No previous presence
WCH: 2005 – 20. (500m)23. (1500m)32. (1000m)
2004 – 22. (500m)35. (1000m)
2003 – 23. (500m)43. (1500m)
WJCH: 2006 – 4. (500m)12. (1500m)17. (1000m)
2005 – 16. (500m)28. (1000m)35. (1500m)
2004 – 19. (500m)23. (1000m)23. (1500m)
2003 – 41. (1000m)45. (1500m)
ECH: 2006 – 20. (500m)31. (1500m)38. (1000m)
2005 – 16. (500m)23. (1500m)33. (1000m).
OWG 2006
Born: Evita KRIEVANEH/W: 162cm/58kgSex: F
Hobbies: Reading, alpine skiing, ice–hockey, mountain-biking
Evita KRIEVANE
4 3 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a4 2O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Short TrackATHLETES
Martins Dukurs
Function: PhysiotherapistBorn: February 21, 1952, Cesvaine, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Maris EIKENS
Function: PhysiotherapistBorn: December 3, 1962, Riga, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Boriss LONSAKOVS
Function: PhysiotherapistBorn: April 3, 1977, Saldus, LATSex: MOG: As physiotherapist in 2004
Mareks OSOVSKIS
Function: PhysiotherapistBorn: March 13, 1968, Braslav, BLRSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Pavels PAUCONOKS
4 4 4 5 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Function: Doctor, Ice HockeyBorn: October 13, 1940, Madona, LATSex: M
OWG: As doctor in 2002
Janis KVEPS
Function: Physiotherapist, Ice HockeyBorn: May 10, 1957, Preili, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Boriss LAVRENOVS
Function: Physiotherapist, Ice HockeyBorn: November 27, 1956, Riga, LATSex: M
OWG: No previous presence
Fjodors MAZURS
Function: DoctorBorn: March 10, 1961, Riga, LATSex: FOG: As doctor in OWG in 2002 and OG in
2004
Liga CIRULE
Function: DoctorBorn: May 5, 1957, Sigulda, LATSex: MOG: As doctor in 1992, 1996, 2000,
2004
Aldis CIRULIS
4 7 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a4 6O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Year Winter Games Participantsmedal
gold silver bronze
1924 I Chamonix 2 – – –
1928 II Saint-Moritz 1 – – –
1936 IV Garmisch 26 – – –Partenkirchen
1968 X Grenoble 1 – – –
1976 XII Innsbruck 5 – – –
1980 XIII Lake Placid 5 1 1* 1
1984 XIV Sarajevo 11 – – 1
1988 XV Calgary 10 2 – 3
1992 XVI Albertville 24 – – –
1994 XVII Lillehammer 28 – – –
1998 XVIII Nagano 31 – – –
2002 XIX Salt Lake 48 – – –
2006 XX Torino 58
*Helmuts BALDERIS won the Silver Medals by them. He represented the USSR Ice Hockey Champion Team “Moscow CSKA”
Alpine Skiing 5Ilze ABOLA 1998
Mirdza MARTINSONE 1936
Herberts BERTULSONS 1936
Ivars CIAGUNS 1998, 2002
Askolds HERMANOVSKIS 1936
Biathlon 9Anzela BRICE 2002
Ieva CEDERSTREMA 1994, 1998
Janis BERZINS 2002
Aivars BOGDANOVS 1992, 1994, 1998
Ilmars BRICIS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002
Olegs MALUHINS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002
Jekabs NAKUMS 1998, 2002
Gundars UPENIEKS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002
Raivis ZIMELIS 2002
Bobsleigh 30Boriss ARTEMJEVS 1992, 1994
Ivars BERZUPS 1984, 1988, 1992
Gunars BUMBULIS 2002
Egils BOJARS 1998
Intars DICMANIS 2002
Zintis EKMANIS 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994
Janis ELSINS 1998
Gatis GUTS 2002
Aldis INTLERS 1992, 1994
Juris JAUDZEMS 1988
Olafs KLAVINS 1988
Rihards KOTANS 1984
Janis KIPURS 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994
Rodzers LODZINS 1998
Guntis OSIS 1988
Janis OZOLS 1998, 2002
Andris PLUKSNA 1992, 1994
Maris POIKANS 1984, 1988
Sandis PRUSIS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002
Otomars RIHTERS 1992, 1994
Maris ROZENTALS 1998, 2002
Marcis RULLIS 2002
Janis SILARAJS 2002
Janis SKRASTINS 1984
Didzis SKUSKA 1994
Aivars SNEPSTS 1984
Juris TONE 1988, 1992, 1994
Aivars TROPS 1988
Matiss ZACMANIS 2002
Inesis ZAPOROZECS 2002
Cross-Country Skiing 12Andzela BRICE 1998
Ineta KRAVALE 1994
Inara RUDKO 1998
Karlis BUKASS 1936
Herberts DABOLINS 1936
Edgars GRUZITIS 1936
Juris GERMANIS 1998, 2002
Janis HERMANIS 1992, 1994,1998
Pauls KANEPS 1936
Roberts PLUME 1924
Roberts RAIMO 1998
Alberts RIEKSTINS 1936
Figure Skating 9Jelena BEREZNAJA 1994
Alise DZEGUZE 1936
Alma LEPINA 1992
Hildegarde SVARCE 1936
Verners AULS 1936
Eduards GESELS 1936
Konstantins KOSTINS 1992
Olegs SLAHOVS 1994
Andrejs VLASCENKO 1994
4 8 4 9 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Mal
e
Mal
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mal
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Fem
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Mal
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ale
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Ice Hockey 36Aleksejs AUZINS 1936
Janis BEBRIS 1936
Roberts BLUKIS 1936
Arvids JURGENS 1936
Herberts KUSKIS 1936
Roberts LAPAINIS 1936
Karlis PAEGLE 1936
Adolfs PETROVSKIS 1936
Arvids PETERSONS 1936
Janis ROZITIS 1936
Leonids VEDEJS 1936
Helmuts BALDERIS 1980
Vitalijs SAMOILOVS 1988
Kaspars ASTASENKO 2002
Aleksandrs BELAVSKIS 2002
Igors BONDAREVS 2002
Aigars CIPRUSS 2002
Vjaceslavs FANDULS 2002
Viktors IGNATJEVS 2002
Arturs IRBE 2002
Aleksandrs KERCS 2002
Rodrigo LAVINS 2002
Aleksandrs MACIJEVSKIS 2002
Edgars MASALSKIS 2002
Andrejs MATICINS 2002
Sergejs NAUMOVS 2002
Aleksandrs NIZIVIJS 2002
Sandis OZOLINS 2002
Grigorijs PANTELEJEVS 2002
Aleksandrs SEMJONOVS 2002
Sergejs SENINS 2002
Karlis SKRASTINS 2002
Olegs SOROKINS 2002
Leonids TAMBIJEVS 2002
Atvars TRIBUNCOVS 2002
Harijs VITOLINS 2002
Free-style Skiing 2Normunds APLOCINS 1992
Dans JANSONS 1992
Luge 26Ingrida AMANTOVA 1980, 1984
Iluta GAILE 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002
Anna ORLOVA 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002
Astra RIBENA-VITOLA 1980
Jurita SNITKO 1998
Evija SULCE 1992, 1994
Maija TIRUMA 2002
Vera ZOZULA 1976, 1980, 1984
Sandris BERZINS 1998, 2002
Dainis BREMZE 1976, 1980
Ivars DEINIS 2002
Juris EISAKS 1984
Agris ELERTS 1992, 1994
Aigars KRIKIS 1976, 1980
Valdis KUZIS 1976
Dairis LEKSIS 1994, 1998
Maris LEGERIS 1998
Aivars POLIS 1992
Guntis REKIS 1998, 2002
Martins RUBENIS 1998, 2002
Nauris SKRAUSTINS 2002
Roberts SUHAREVS 1992, 1994, 1998
Aivis SVANS 1994
Rolands UPATNIEKS 1976
Einars VEIKSA 1984
Juris VOVCOKS 1994, 1998
Skeleton 1Tomass DUKURS 2002
Speed-Skating 6Lasma KAUNISTE 1968
Ilonda LUSE 1994, 1998, 2002
Janis ANDRIKSONS 1936
Alfons BERZINS 1936
Arvids LEJNIEKS 1936
Alberts RUMBA 1924, 1928
Total Athletes 136
5 0 5 1 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
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5 2 5 3 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i aO l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Founded April 23, 1922Olympic debut 1924Activities suspended 1940Activities renewed November 19, 1988Recognised again by the IOC September 18, 1991
The Olympic movement in Latvia took roots at the beginning of the 20thcentury, when Latvia was still a part of the Russian Empire. In 1911, theBaltic Olympic Committee was established in Riga, but it was still under thejurisdiction of the Russian Olympic Committee. Therefore, at the 1912Olympic Games in Stockholm, the Latvian athletes participated as a partof the Russian team. After the proclamation of the independence of theRepublic of Latvia in 1918, the Latvian athletes expressed their intention,in the summer of 1920, to participate at the Olympic Games in Antwerp.The request was refused because Latvia did not have Olympic Committeeat that time.
The Latvian Olympic Committee (LOC) was established on 23 April 1922.In 1923, the LOC received a notification from the IOC that Latvia wasaccepted as a candidate state of the IOC and, therefore, was invited toparticipate at both: the I Olympic Winter Games in Chamonix, and the VIIIGames of the Olympiad in Paris in 1924.
Thus, the Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924 became the firstdebut of Latvia, being among the 16 states that opened the first WinterOlympics. Only two years later Janis Dikmanis, the first president of theLOC, was elected IOC member.
Between the two World Wars, the Latvian Olympic delegation participat-ed at the 1924, 1928, 1932, and 1936 Games of the Olympiad, as wellas the 1924, 1928 and 1936 Olympic Winter Games, and won threemedals:
1932 J.Dalins silver, 50 km distance walking1936 E.Bietags silver, Greco-Roman wrestling1936 A.Bubenko bronze, 50 km distance walking
In 1940, LOC activities were interrupted by the occupation of Latvia andits illegal incorporation into the USSR.
In 1951 the USSR Olympic Committee was recognised by the IOC. As aresult, beginning with 1952, the Latvian athletes who qualified for Olympiccompetitions could only do so as a part of the USSR team. From 1952 to1988 they won 19 gold, 29 silver and 14 bronze medals, including 7 atOlympic Winter Games.
It was at the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne (1956) when forthe first time an athlete from Latvia - javelin thrower Inese Jaunzeme -became the Olympic Champion. But Vera Zozula was the first athlete fromLatvia to became Olympic Champion at the Olympic Winter Games in LakePlacid (1980) in luge sports. Another Latvian athlete Ingrida Amantova, adebutant in the USSR squad, also caused a sensation by winning a bronzemedal at the Lake Placid Games. Today both of them are the nationalcoaches in luge sports.
Helmuts Balderis had won a silver medal by then, representing the USSRice hockey team.
At the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo Zintis Ekmanis won a bronzemedal in the bobsleigh two-man event. The Kalgari Olympic Gamesappeared to be most successful for our athletes winning 5 medals alto-gether – gold in bobsleigh by Janis Kipurs and gold also in ice-hockey – byVitalijs Samoilovs.
On 19 November 1988 in Riga, 483 representatives of various Latviansport organizations came together at a general meeting and took a deci-sion to restore the Latvian Olympic Committee on the principle of continu-ity. The initiator of the idea was Vilnis Baltins, the world ex-champion in row-ing, and he was also elected president of the Latvian Olympic Committee.
In August 1991, the Republic of Latvia renewed its independence, andalready on 18 September 1991 the IOC Executive Committee at its meet-ing in Berlin recognised again the rights of the Latvian, as well as Lithuanianand Estonian Olympic Committees.
It is important to point out that the Latvian Olympic Committee never with-drew its membership from the IOC, nor have the internationally recognisedLatvian sports federations and associations left the International federa-tions.
Under the renewed LOC mandate, the Latvian Olympic delegation partic-ipated the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Games of the Olympiad, as wellas the 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
From 1992 to 2004, Latvian athletes won 11 medals at the Games of theOlympiad -1 gold, 8 silver and 2 bronze.
So far the best results of the Latvian athletes in Winter Olympic Gameshave been achieved in Nagano (1998) - 5th and 6th positions in both -biathlon and bobsleigh. Torino 2006 will be the third Games of the WinterOlympiad for the Latvian hockey players (1936, 2002, and 2006).
5 5 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a5 4O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Chamonix, 25 January– 5 February 1924Latvian team:Athletes – 2, events – 2 (cross country skiing, speed skating), medals - 0Latvia was among those 16 states that opened the
first Winter Olympics. Two athletes – the eight-time Latvian speed skating
champion Alberts Rumba and skier Roberts Plumerepresented Latvia at Chamonix. Rumba participatedin the 500m, 1500m, 5000m and 10 000m races,gaining the highest position (10th) in the 1500mrace. Roberts Plume participated in the 18km and50km skiing distances, not finishing either. However,only one start by Plume is documented – the skimarathon which Plume attempted for the first time inhis life.
The two athletes played an important role in thedevelopment of sports in the country. Roberts Plumehas been the LOC president since 1933.
Saint Moritz, 11 – 19 February 1928Latvian team:Athletes – 1, events – 1 (speed skating), medals - 0Speed skater Alberts Rumba was the only Latvian
participant in the second Winter Olympic Games. Butwith his best athletic years behind him, Rumba onlyachieved 16th place in the 500m race, 14th place inthe 1500m race and 15th in the 5000m race.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 6 – 16 February 1936Latvian team:Athletes – 26, events – 5 (alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating),medals - 0Although the weather conditions before the
Olympic Games hindered the training process, yet26 Latvian took part this Olympiad and competed inspeed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, alpine ski-ing and cross country skiing. The best result wasachieved by speed skater Alfons Berzins, his highestposition being 14th place in the 500m distance.
It was the first time when the Latvian national teamtook part in the ice hockey tournament.
In 1940 the LOC activities were interrupted by theoccupation of Latvia and its illegal incorporation intothe USSR.
From 1952 to 1988 the Latvian athletes could nolonger participate in the Olympic Games with an inde-
pendent national team. During this period 19 gold,29 silver and 14 bronze medals were won by theLatvian athletes.
Grenoble, 6 – 18 February 1968Latvian athletes in the USSR team:Athletes – 1, events – 1 (speed skating), medals – 0In Grenoble, a Latvian athlete – speed skater
Lasma Kauniste – was included in the USSR Olympicdelegation. She was equally good at all the speedskating distances, which she had proved on severaloccasions in both – European and World Champion-ships. In Grenoble, Lasma competed in three dis-tances gaining 5th result in the 1,500m distance,11th place in the 1,000m race and 12th place in the3,000 metres.
Innsbruck, 4 – 15 February 1976Latvian athletes in the USSR team:Athletes – 5, events – 1 (luge),medals - 0In order to prepare for the Winter Olympics a natu-
ral luge track was built in Cesis by a group of dedi-cated individuals. As a result, in Innsbruck the Sovietteam was composed almost entirely of the Latvianathletes. Demonstrating a stable performance,Dainis Bremze gained the high 8th place in the men’scompetition, Aigars Krikis came 13th. Both athletestogether achieved 8th position in the doubles. Thesecond Latvian duet – the 44 year old RolandsUpatnieks and Valdis Kuzis were in 9th position. Theoverall placing of Vera Zozula was 9th in thewomen’s single luge. The Latvian speed skater fromCanada Silvija Burka achieved 4th place in the 1000metres.
Lake Placid, 13 – 23 February 1980Latvian athletes in the USSR team:Athletes – 5, events – 2 (ice hockey, luge), medals - 35 Latvian athletes participated at the Olympics
under the USSR colours. A surprising result wasdemonstrated by the Latvian luge athletes VeraZozula and Ingrida Amantova who won a gold and abronze medal respectively.
Another Latvian representative in the Soviet teamin Lake Placid was Astra Ribena, who gained 8thposition in luge. The outstanding Latvian hockey play-er Helmuts Balderis played for the Soviet team, earn-ing a silver medal. The deciding match for the goldwas won by the American team (4:3).
5 7 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a5 6O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Sarajevo, 8 – 19 February 1984Latvian athletes in the USSR team:Athletes – 11, events – 2 (bobsleigh, luge), medals - 111 Latvian athletes participated in the Olympics
under the USSR colours. Until 1980, the SovietUnion did not train in bobsleigh sports, but East-Germany’s success in this sport impelled the USSRto develop it, too. In pairs competitions, ZintisEkmanis and his partner Aleksandrovs won abronze medal. Janis Kipurs and Aivars Snepstsgained 4thplace. Surprising the world with theirperformance, Kipur’s team (Snepsts, Poikans,Berzups) won 6th place and Ekmanis’ 4-men team(Aleksandrovs, Skrastins, Kotans) gained 12thplace. Four Latvian athletes were also included inthe luge team. None of them, however, managed torepeat the Lake Placid victories. Ingrida Amantovaremained in 4th place, Vera Zozula - in 5th place,and Juris Eisaks and Ainars Veiksa - in 6th place inpair competition.
Calgary, 13 – 28 February 1988Latvian athletes in the USSR team:Athletes – 10, events – 2 (bobsleigh, ice hockey), medals - 310 Latvian athletes participated at the Olympics
under the USSR colours. The bobsleigh team won a
gold in Calgary. The victory was achieved by JanisKipurs together with his Russian partner Kozlov. TheLatvian athletes Zintis Ekmanis and Aivars Tropsachieved 9th place. In the 4-man bob team competi-tion Kipurs/V.Kozlov/Osis/Tone were two hundredthsecond faster than the US team, and won a bronze.The other USSR team consisted only of Latvians –Maris Poikans, Olafs Klavins, Ivars Berzups and JurisJaunzems, they won 5th place. Vitalijs Samoilovs,the Latvian ice hockey player, was included in theSoviet team. The team won a gold medal althoughSamoilovs himself was unable to play.
Albertville, 8 – 23 February 1992Latvian team:Athletes – 23, events – 6 (biathlon, bobsleigh, figure skating, freestyle skiing, luge, cross country skiing), medals – 024 athletes participated at the Winter Games.
Though the LOC was re-established on November19, 1988, it had not yet received the internationalrecognition until September 18, 1991. Finally, theway to Albertville was open! The most notable suc-cess was made by bobsledder Sandis Prusis and histeam. The highest position gained by the luge athleteAnna Orlova and the 2-man team AivarsPolis/Roberts Suharevs was 11th place.
5 9 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a5 8O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Lillehammer, 12 – 27 February 1994Latvian team:Athletes – 27, events – 6 (biathlon, bobsleigh, figure skating, luge, cross-country skiing,speed skating), medals – 027 Latvian athletes participated at the Olympic
Games. The best result was achieved by the figureskater pair Jelena Bereznaja and Oleg Slahov. Theywon 8th place. Among the luge athletes the highestplace was gained by Anna Orlova – she achieved 9thposition. Expectations concerning the bobsleighteam did not come true. However, the athletes’ effortcreated a precedent for a successful participation inNagano.
Nagano, 7 – 22 February 1998Latvian team:Athletes – 29, events – 6 (alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, luge, cross-country skiing, speed skating), medals – 031 Latvian athletes made their way to Nagano
and 29 of them participated in competitions, repre-senting six different sports. For the second timethe Olympic dream for our ice-hockey team did notcome true, losing the deciding match with Belarus(1:4).
Biathlon athletes made the name of Latvia highlight-ed in Nagano. Ilmars Bricis was the first to demon-strate his splendid form - in 20 km distance he was5th (4th fastest in skiing). In the 10 km sprintNakums was in 5th and Maluhins in 6th position.Latvia experienced the brightest moment of theGames on 22nd February, when at the end of thesecond leg of the biathlon relay the Latvian athletesovertook the German team and became the leaders.However, the overall result for the team was 6thplace.
In the ladies’ competition, the only Latvian repre-sentative, Ieva Cederstrema-Wolfa had her bestresult in the 15 km distance, finishing 25th.
In bobsleigh, Sandris Prusis and his partners –Janis Elsins, Egils Bojars and Janis Ozols were ableto break into the top six in both disciplines, gaining5th position in the 2-man competition and 6th - in the4-man competition.
In luge sports, Latvia was represented by 10 ath-letes. However, the results were not sufficient. AnnaOrlova and Iluta Gaile were in 13th and 14th positionrespectively. Martins Rubenis finished 14th in hisfirst senior competition and was the best of theLatvian men. In the ladies skiing competition, neitherInara Rudka, nor biathlon athlete Andzela Brice wereable to get out of the last 10 placings. Among men
the best result was achieved by Roberts Raimo, whocame 60th out of 75 competitors in the 50km dis-tance.
After 62 years, Latvia was once more representedin the downhill skiing. Both Ilze Abola and IvarsCiaguns successfully reached the finish line in bothruns of the giant slalom, coming 31st and 34threspectively.
In speed skating Ilonda Luse succeeded in fulfillingthe minimum programme – not finishing last in any ofthe three distances.
6 1 O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a6 0O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Salt Lake, 8 – 24 February 2002Latvian team:Athletes – 48, events – 8 (alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, ice hockey, luge, cross-country skiing, skeleton, speed skating), medals – 0In Salt Lake City, for the first time since the renew-
al of independence, the Latvian flag at the openingceremony was not carried by a bobsledder but thecaptain of the national ice hockey team HarijsVitolins.
In four matches played in Salt Lake City the Latvianteam demonstrated a nice game. For the first timeon the national side, the NHL star Sandis Ozolinsrevealed himself in his full glory (4 assists).
Unfortunately, the deciding game of the groupagainst Germany was lost by 1:4. But in the matchfor the 9th place against Ukraine the Latvian teamwon by 9:2.
In biathlon the highest placing was for OlegsMaluhins, who finished 30th in the 12, 5 km pursuitfrom a starting position of 46. The competition inSalt Lake was not successful either for Bricis, orNakums or Upenieks. In the relay the biathlon quar-tet was in 17th place out of 19 competing teams –the worst result in four Olympic Games.
Andzela Brice, having qualified for the Olympics atthe last moment, lived up to her professional abili-ties, even overtaking 16 competitors in the sprint.
In the pairs competition Sandis Prusis and MarcisRullis were successful only at the second run.Nevertheless, for the first time in the Olympic Gamesboth Latvian crews came in the top fifteen - SandisPrusis/Marcis Rullis shared 11/12 place with theItalian crew of Tossini, but Gatis Guts/IntarsDicmanis shared 13/14th place with the French pairof Bruno Mingeon.
In the four-man competition Sandris Prusis/MarcisRullis/Janis Silarajs/Janis Ozols were placed 7th.Gatis Guts’ crew (Intars Dicmanis, Maris Rozentals,Guntars Bumbulis) was in 12th place.
In luge, our leader Iluta Gaile was 10th overall(though the first run was only 0,001 seconds off the6th place). Anna Orlova was in 9th placing, repeatingthe result she achieved in Lillehammer. The youngestmember of the Latvian delegation, 17 year old MaijaTiruma took 18th place. In men competition, thehighest placing (22nd) was gained by NaurisSkraustins, and in the doubles – 10th position - byIvars Deinis/Sandris Berzins.
In cross country skiing, Juris Germanis had themost successful competition in this sports since therenewal of independence – 49th place in the 15kmclassic style, 54th in the combined (10 km classicstyle and 10 km) and 60th result in the 30 km dis-tance.
The Alpine skier Ivars Ciaguns failed to finish in thegiant slalom, but completed both runs in the slalom,being placed 25th among 78 competitors. That wasthe best result by a Latvian athlete in skiing disci-plines at the XIX Winter Games.
In skeleton, Tomass Dukurs achieved the previous-ly predicted for him place – 21st.
Since Lillehammer Ionda Luse had improved herperformance over the 3000 m distance by 24 sec-onds. In the closed Utah Olympic Oval of Salt LakeCity, she was not last in either of her two starts, how-ever, the Latvia’s best result remained unachieved.
Torino 2006
Competitions of Latvian Team
16 17 18 19 20 2110 11 12 13 14 15 22 23 24 25THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUEFRI SAT SUN MON TUE WEDWED THU FRI SAT SUN
26
7 8 9 10 11 121 2 3 4 5 6 13 14 15 16 17
Ceremonies
Ice Hockey 1
Cross-CountrySkiing
Alpine Skiing
Biathlon
Bobsleigh
Skeleton
Luge
Ice Hockey 2
Palasport Olimpico
Torino Esposizioni
Pragelato Plan
Sestriere Colle
Alpine SkiingSestriere Borgata
Cesana San Sicario
Cesana Pariol
Cesana Pariol
Cesana Pariol
Start days of Latvian team Daily medals Award Event
Short TrackPalavela
6 6O l y m p i c T e a m L a t v i a
Latvian Olympic Committee
Address 49, Elizabetes StreetRiga, LV-1010, Latvia
Phone +371 7282462Fax +371 7282123
E-mail [email protected]
Torino 2006 Olympic Team Latvia
Text Aija ERTA, Velga MIZOVSKA, Marita VILCINA© LOC
Design Vilhelms IRISTS, Ainars GAIDISSia DUE
Techn. Director Karlis JAKADELSPhoto LOC Archive, Valdis BRAUNS
Printed A/s Preses nams