The University together with Lithuanian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Sports Federation organized a selection of athletes to Lithuanian bobsleigh and skeleton teams
Lithuanian Bobsleigh and Skeleton Sports Federation and Lithuanian Sports University have organized a selection of athletes seeking to represent Lithuania in bobsleigh and skeleton teams.
13 men who participated in the selection to Lithuanian bobsleigh team came to Lithuanian Sports University drill-hall. It is also planned to select athletes who can compete in skeleton and tobogganing sports.
The selection was carried out by far the best-known Lithuanian track and field athletics specialist, LSU Vice-Rector for Sport and Infrastructure Prof. Dr. Aleksas Stanislovaitis. Several athletes and those who have already finished their professional careers wanted to join a bobsleigh team: the representatives of rugby, shot-put and high-jumping.
During selection, athletes had to meet certain standards: strength, height, weight; speed and long jump tests were carried out.
Vitalijus Švedas, the President of Lithuanian Bobsleigh Federation emphasized that athletes who have overcome both selections and entered the team, will be able to compete in the first tournaments this year in September.
“Physical fitness workout will be carried out in Lithuania, later we will continue preparation in Sigulda, Latvia, in tobogganing and bobsleigh track”, said V. Švedas.
According to him, the opportunity will be opened up for the athletes to participate in the European and world championships and international tournaments, and most importantly – to fight for the chance to represent the country at the Olympic Games. Although Lithuania has no possibilities to develop these sports, it is expected that athletes will not always need to train and prepare for the country championships in Latvia.
“A unique opportunity opens to the athletes who have joined the team – to become a part of the history of these sports, to represent Lithuania for the first time, and maybe even win medals”, said V. Švedas.
Bobsleigh, otherwise known as bobsledding, started in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in 1884. This sport was added to the Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Since 2002, bobsleigh was joined by women teams. Skeleton goes back to older times: this sport dates the 19th century. Skeleton was also launched in Switzerland. In 1928, a skeleton team appeared in the Olympic Games for the first time.
