UNIFORMS
The XXII Olympic Winter Games to be held from 7 to 23 February 2014 in the Russian resort town of Sochi, will be the seventh winter Olympic Games with participation of the Latvian Olympic Team since renewal of the Latvian Olympic Committee 25 years ago. The Latvian participation in 1924, 1928 and 1936 Winter Olympic Games was more regarded as demonstration of pre-war youth activities and eagerness to take part in most important sport events. But now - in 2014 - the Latvian Olympic Team is determined to own already the Olympic podium places in Sochi, as today we see in our team World and European Champions, medalists and World Cup winners and leaders in particular sports and disciplines of the last and current seasons. It is the fourth time in turn that the National Men’s Ice-Hockey team is also going to Winter Olympics to compete for their victories. Therefore we purposefully hope to witness the Latvian leading athletes’ highest achievements just in Sochi. Thanks to the financial support provided by government, sponsors and Olympic Solidarity, we have been able to prepare the team. Despite the fact that Sochi is situated on the same latitude as Beijing, Nice and Monaco, that are not so famous for hosting winter sport competitions, the Russian specialists have invested significant financial resources and effort to ensure best possible condition for the World’s top winter sport athletes’ competition. I do express my appreciation for this valuable input. Let expectations come true for the organizers of the Sochi Games, as well as for the volunteers, among whom there are also Latvian representatives! Let the entire world enjoy this most magnificent winter sport festival! On behalf of all Latvian sport movement and supporters I wish strength, endurance and success to the entire Latvian Olympic Team in Sochi!
We will keep our fingers crossed for you!
Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Aldons Vrublevskis Eliza Tiruma (Luge) President of the Latvian Olympic Committee
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Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Fisht Olympic Olympic Opening Stadium Ceremony Iceberg Skating Figure Skating Palace Ice Cube Curling Curling Center Iceberg Skating Short Track Palace Speed Skating Adler Arena Speed Skating Skating Center Laura Cross-country Biathlon Ski & Biathlon Center Laura Cross-country Cross-Country Ski & Biathlon Center Skiing Rosa Khutor Alpine Skiing Alpine Center Sanki Sliding Center Bobsleigh RusSki Gorki Ski Jumping Ski Jumping Center Rosa Khutor Snowboard Extreme Park RusSki Gorki Nordic Ski Jumping Center Combined Sanki Sliding Center Luge
Rosa Khutor Freestyle Extreme Park Skiing Sanki Sliding Center Skeleton
Shayba Arena Ice Hockey I
Bolshoy Ice Dome Ice Hockey II
Fisht Olympic Olympic Closing Stadium Ceremony
Competition Days Latvian participation Latvian participation
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Andris BERZINS Aldons VRUBLEVSKIS
Function President of Function President the Republic of Latvia Latvian Olympic Committee Born June 2, 1957, Zalenieki, LAT OG As NOC Secretary General 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 OG 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 OWG. As NOC President – 2006, 2010 OWG, 2008, 2012 OG.
Zorzs TIKMERS
Function Secretary General Latvian Olypic Committee, Chef de Mission Born January 22, 1957, Tukums, LAT OG As an athlete – 1980 ( silver medal – Rowing) Chef de Mission – 1994, 2006, 2010 OWG 2008, 2012 OG.
6 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 7 OFFICIALS Marita VILCINA Latvia Function Press Attache Born June 5, 1971, Aluksne, LAT OG Press Attaché – 2004, 2008, 2012 OG Get to know it! 2006, 2010 OWG latvia.eu
Andris LUPIKS
Function Deputy Chef de Mission Born March 26, 1970, Madona, LAT OG Deputy Chef de Mission – 2002, 2006, 2010 OWG 2008, 2012 OG Official - 2004 OG
Raitis KESELIS
Function Assistant Chef de Mission Born October 11, 1979, Riga, LAT OG Deputy Chef de Mission – 2006, 2010 OWG 2008, 2012 OG Official - 2004 OG
8 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 9 BIATHLON BIATHLON Officials Zanna JUSKANE Janis BERZINS
Event: Women 15km Ind.; Women 7,5km Sprint; Born: April 22, 1952, Cesis, LAT (Women 10km Pursuit) Sex: M Born: October 5, 1989, Rezekne, LAT H/F: 157 cm, 52 kg Function: President of NF Sex: F OWG: 2006, 2010 Hobbies: reading, sewing and knitting First Coach: Sergejs SVERCKOVS Coach: Gatis PRAULITIS OWG: 2010 – 19th (4x6km), 79th (7,5km sprint), 84th (15km Ind) Intars BERKULIS WCH: 2013 – 86th (15km Ind), 90th (7,5km sprint); Born: February 2, 1976, Aluksne, LAT 2012 – 72nd (7,5km sprint), 89th (15km Ind); Sex: M 2011 – 78th (7,5km sprint), 80th (15km Ind) Function: Coach ECH: 2012 – 31st (15km Ind), 39th (7,5km sprint) OWG: 2010 ECH U-26: 2011 – 44th (15km Ind), didn’t finish (7,5km sprint) EJCH: 2010 – 21st (7,5km sprint), 38th (15km Ind)
Andrejs RASTORGUJEVS Aivars BOGDANOVS
Event: Men 20km Ind.; Men 10km Sprint; Men Born: February 27, 1965, Cesis, LAT 12,5km Pursuit; Men Mass Start 15km Sex: M Born: May 27, 1988, Aluksne, LAT H/F: 181 cm, 70 kg Function: Coach Sex: M OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998 OWG; Hobbies: Play guitar As a coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010 First Coach: Sergejs SVERCKOVS Coach: Intars BERKULIS OWG: 2010 – 50th (10 km sprint), 58th (12,5km Pur) WCH: 2013 – 50th (20km Ind), 65th (10km sprint), 22nd(4x7,5km); 2012 – 68th (20km Ind), 83rd (10km sprint); 2011 – 43rd (20km Ind), 66th (10km sprint), 14th (4x7,5km) ECH U-26: 2013 – 4th (20km Ind); 2012 – 5th (10km sprint and 12,5km Pur), 27th (20km Ind), 11th (4x7,5km); 2011 – 4th (20km Ind), 7th (12,5km Pur), 8th (10km sprint).
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Oskars MELBARDIS Daumants DREISKENS Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: February 16, 1988, Valmiera, LAT Born: March 28, 1984, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 190 cm, 100 kg H/F: 193 cm, 108 kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Motocross, football Hobbies: Basketball
First Coach: Baiba KAUFMANE First Coach: Juris BASKERS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – didn’t start Coach: Sandis PRUSIS WCH: 2013 – 5th (2 Men Bob), 9th (4 Men Bob); OWG: 2010 – 8th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – didn’t finish (4 Men Bob), 8th (2 Men Bob); 2006 – 6th (2 Men Bob) and 10th (4 Men Bob) 2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob), 13th (2 Men Bob) WCH: 2013 – 5th (2 Men Bob), 9th (4 Men Bob); ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 4th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 6th (4 Men Bob), 8th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob), 5th (2 Men Bob) 2011 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 16th (2 Men Bob) Wcup: 2012/13 – 3rd (2 and 4 Men Bob); ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 4th (2 Men Bob); 2011/12 – 15th (4 Men Bob), 6th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 5th (2 Men Bob); 2010/11 – 20th (2 Men Bob), 25th (4 Men Bob) 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 7th (2 Men Bob) WJCH: 2012 – 1st (2 and 4 Men Bob)
Oskars KIBERMANIS Arvis VILKASTE Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: April 4, 1993, Valmiera, LAT Born: April 8, 1989, Balvi, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 95 kg H/F: 183 cm, 97 kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Hunting Hobbies: Hunting
First Coach: Raitis RAVINSKIS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS First Coach: Sarmite KEISELE OWG: No previous presence Coach: Sandis PRUSIS WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob) OWG: No previous presence ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob) WCH: 2013 -9th (4 Men Bob); WJCH: 2012 – 2nd (4 Men Bob), 3rd (2 Men Bob) 2012 - didn’t finish (4 Men Bob) Wcup: 2012/13 – 18th (4 Men Bob), 26th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 -5th (4 Men Bob); 2011/12 – 95th (2 Men Bob) 2012 - 7th (4 Men Bob); YOWG: 2012 – 4th (2 Men Bob) WICH: 2012 - 1st (4 Men Bob)
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Helvijs LUSIS Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: January 14, 1987, Aizpute, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 97 kg Sex: M Hobbies: DJ First Coach: Andris KAJU Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2012 – didn’t finish (4 Men Bob) WJCH: 2013 – 2nd (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 1st (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob)
Raivis BROKS
Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: February 20, 1984, Madona, LAT H/F: 192 cm, 102 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Crosswords, active recreation
First Coach: Gatis GUTS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – 11th (4 Men Bob) WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 22nd (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 20th (2 Men Bob), 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob)
Vairis LEIBOMS
Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: August 18, 1991, Ergli, LAT H/F: 184 cm, 90 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Football First Coach: Krisjanis KUPLIS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No Previous presence WJCH: 2013 – 2nd (4 Men Bob)
14 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 15 BOBSLEIGH Janis STRENGA Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: February 5, 1986, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 183 cm, 92 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Beach volley, athletics
First Coach: Gatis GUTS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No Previous presence WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – didnt’t finish (4 Men Bob); 2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob)
Intars DAMBIS Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: September 3, 1983, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 95 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Voleyball, fishing
First Coach: Rihards KOTANS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No Previous presence WCH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 6th (4 Men Bob), 15th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 13th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 9th (2 Men Bob), 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob)
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Born: February 20, 1959, Aluksne, LAT Born: December 4, 1972, Jurmala, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: President of NF Function: Coach OWG: 2010 OWG: As an athlete in 1998, 2002 and 2006
Sandis PRUSIS Viesturs PERKONS
Born: October 24, 1965, Ventspils, LAT Born: August 8, 1974, Ventspils, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: Head Coach Function: Technical personnell OWG: As an athlete in OWG: No previous presence 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002; as a coach in 2006 and 2010
Zintis EKMANIS Olafs KLAVINS
Born: May 17, 1958, Pabazi, LAT Born: February 7, 1964, Saldus, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: Assistiant Coach Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in OWG: As an athlete 1984 and 1988 (USSR Team); in 1988 (USSR Team) 1992 and 1994 (Latvian team); as an administrative personnell in 2006; as a assistiant coach in 2010
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Ulla ZIRNE Martins RUBENIS
Event: Women’s Singles Event: Men’s Singles Born: August 6, 1995, Riga, LAT Born: September 26, 1978, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 67 kg H/F: 184 cm, 91 kg Sex: F Sex: M Hobbies: Active recreation, travelling, cooking Hobbies: Music, DJ
First Coach: Ingrida AMANTOVA First Coach: Vera ZOZULA Coach: Kaspars DUMPIS Coach: Mihails ARHIPOVS OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2010 – 11th, 2006 – 3rd, 2002 – didn’t finish, Wcup: 2012/13 – 40th, 2010/11 – 39 1998 – 14th WCH: 2013 – 10th, 3rd (Team competitions), Wcup: 2012/13 – 14th, 2011/12 – 31st, 2010/11 – 29th 2012 – 24th WCH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 19th, 2011 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 7th, 4th (Team competitions), ECH: 2013 – 12th 2012 – 14th, 6th (Team Competition).
Eliza TIRUMA Kristaps MAURINS
Event: Women’s Singles Event: Men’s Singles Born: August 21, 1990, Sigulda, LAT Born: May 5, 1991, Cesis, LAT H/F: 170 cm, 72 kg H/F: 192 cm, 92 kg Sex: F Sex: M Hobbies: Swimming, cycling Hobbies: Active recreation
First Coach: Aivars KALNINS First Coach: Eva HOFMANE Coach: Peteris CIMANIS Coach: Kaspars DUMPIS OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 11th, 2011/12 – 14th, 2010/11 – 23rd Wcup: 2012/13 – 29th, 2011/12 – 29th, 2010/11 – 43rd WCH: 2013 – 10th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 24th WCH: 2013 – 26th, 2012 – 29th ECH: 2013 – 7th, 4th (Team competitions), WJCH: 2011 – 12nd 2012 – 14th, 6th (Team Competition). ECH: 2013 – 19th, 2012 – 20th
20 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 21 LUGE LUGE Andris SICS Oskars GUDRAMOVICS
Event: Doubles Event: Doubles Born: May 12, 1985, Sigulda, LAT Born: July 4, 1988, Riga, LAT H/F: 180 cm, 90 kg H/F: 174 cm, 71 kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Fishing Hobbies: Rest
First Coach: Eva HOFMANE First Coach: Janis OZOLINS Coach: Janis LIEPA Coach: Peteris CIMANIS OWG: 2010 – 2nd, 2006 – 7th OWG: 2010 – 12th Wcup: 2012/13 – 6th, 2011/12 – 16th, 2010/11 – 7th Wcup: 2012/13 – 16th, 2011/12 – 22nd, 2010/11 – 15th WCH: 2013 – 6th, 3rd (Team competitions), WCH: 2013 – 10th, 2012 – 10th 2012 – 9th, 7th (Team competitions), 2011 – 3rd ECH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 16th ECH: 2012 – 7th, 6th (Team competitions).
Juris SICS Peteris KALNINS
Event: Doubles Event: Doubles Born: April 26, 1983, Sigulda, LAT Born: December 15, 1988, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 82 kg H/F: 174 cm, 80 kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Autosport Hobbies: Rest
First Coach: Janis SICS First Coach: Aivars KALNINS (father) Coach: Janis LIEPA Coach: Aivars KALNINS (father) OWG: 2010 – 2nd, 2006 – 7th OWG: 2010 – 12th Wcup: 2012/13 – 6th, 2011/12 – 16th, 2010/11 – 7th Wcup: 2012/13 – 16th, 2011/12 – 22nd, 2010/11 – 15th WCH: 2013 – 6th, 3rd (Team competitions), WCH: 2013 – 10th, 2012 – 10th 2012 – 9th, 7th (Team competitions), 2011 – 3rd ECH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 16th ECH: 2012 – 7th, 6th (Team competitions).
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Inars KIVLENIEKS Atis STRENGA
Event: Men’s Singles Born: October 3, 1958, Sigulda, LAT Born: July 4, 1986, Riga, LAT Sex: M H/F: 183 cm, 91 kg Functions: President of NF Sex: M OWG: As a coach in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010
First Coach: Indra STIGLICA Coach: Janis LIEPA Peteris CIMANIS OWG: 2010 – 18th Born: March 29, 1958, Talsi, LAT Wcup: 2012/13 – 15th, 2011/12 – 18th, 2010/11 – 23th Sex: M WCH: 2013 – 9th, 2012 – 16th, 2011 – 21th Functions: Head Coach ECH: 2013 – 7th OWG: As a coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010
Kaspars DUMPIS Janis LIEPA
Born: December 23, 1982, Ogre, LAT Born: March 24, 1957, Tukums, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: Coach Function: Assistant Coach OWG: 2006 – 17th (as an athlete) OWG: As a technical personnell in 2006, as a assistant coach 2010
Sandris BERZINS Einars FOGELIS
Born: July 15, 1976, Cesis, LAT Function: NOC Vice President Sex: M Latvian Olympic Committee Function: Technical personnell FIL Vice President OWG: As an athlete in 1998 – 25th (singles) Born: April 30, 1960, Sigulda, LAT and 2002 – 10th (doubles); OG: Leader of the luge and bobsleigh As a technical personnell in 2006 team – 1992, 1994 OWG and 2010 Assistant Chef de Mission – 1994 OWG Chef de Mission – 1996, 2000, 2004 OG 1998, 2002 OWG As NOC Secretary General – 2008 OG 2006, 2010 OWG
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Martins DUKURS Dainis DUKURS Event: Men’s Skeleton Born: January 24, 1957, Aluksne, LAT Born: March 31, 1984, Riga, LAT Sex: M H/F: 178 cm, 75 kg Function: Head Coach Sex: M OWG: As a head coach in 2002, Hobbies: Hockey, auto, horses 2006 and 2010
First Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Mareks MEZENCEVS Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Born: October 2, 1980, Sigulda, LAT OWG: 2010 – 2nd; 2006 – 7th Sex: M WCH: 2013 – 2nd; 2012 – 1st; 2011 – 1st Function: Coach ECH: 2013 – 1st; 2012 – 1st; 2011 – 1st OWG: No previous presence WCUP: 2012/13 – 1st; 2011/12 – 1st; 2010/11 – 1st
Mihails ARHIPOVS Born: November 10, 1984, Dresden, GER Sex: M Function: Coach Tomass DUKURS OWG: As an athlete in Event: Men’s Skeleton 2006 – 11th (4 Men Bob) and Born: July 2, 1981, Riga, LAT 2010 – 21st (4 Men Bob) H/F: 186 cm, 86 kg Sex: M Lelde PRIEDULENA Hobbies: Hockey, football, movies, auto Event: Women’s Skeleton Born: July 20, 1993, Sigulda, LAT First Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) H/F: 163 cm, 59 kg Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Sex: F OWG: 2010 – 4th; 2002 – 21st Hobbies: Beach volley WCH: 2013 – 8th; 2012 – 5th; 2011 – 9th ECH: 2013 – 3rd; 2012 – 2nd; 2011 – 4th First Coach: Mareks MEZENCEVS WCUP: 2012/13 – 2nd; 2011/12 – 3rd; 2010/11 – 8th Coach: Dainis DUKURS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 24th WJCH: 2012 – 4th; 2011 – 9th ECH: 2013 – 14th; 2012 – 12th WCUP: 2012/13 – 26th; 2011/12 – 27th ECUP: 2010/11 – 37th
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Haralds SILOVS Event: Men’s 1500m; Men’s 1000m; (Men’s 5000m; Men’s 500m) Born: April 7, 1986, Riga, LAT H/F: 178 cm, 78 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Movies, cycling, reading, drawing
First Coach: Lasma KAUNISTE, Karina PALASIUS Coach: Jeroen OTTER OWG: 2010 – Speed Skating 20th (5000m), Short Track 10th (1500m), 12th (500m), 14th (1000m) WCH sprint: 2013 – 2nd (1000m), 3rd (1000m), 18th (Total), 26th (500m), 30th (500m), 2012 – 5th (1000m), 8th(1000m), 17th (Total), 25th (500m), 27th (500m), 2011 – 30th (1000m), 35th (500m, Total), 39th (500m) WCH individual: 2013 – 9th (1500m), 10th (1000m) Wcup final: 2013 – 14th (1000m) ECH: 2013 – 7th (1500m), 9th (5000m), 10th (500m), 12th (Total), 2012 – 6th (500m, 1500m, 5000m, total), 9th (10000m), 2011 – 14th (500m, 5000m), 16th (Total), 20th (1500m)
Edvins SILOVS Born: December 11, 1958, Riga, LAT Sex: M Functions: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2006 and 2010
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Roberto PUKITIS Event: 1500m Men Born: December 16, 1994, Ventspils, LAT H/F: 171 cm, 71 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Movies, ice hockey
First Coach: Maris BIRZULIS Coach: Jeroen OTTER OWG: No previous presence WCH sprint: 2013 – 2nd, 3rd (1000m), 18th (Total) Wcup final: 2013 – 14th (1000m) ECH: 2013 – 7th (1500m), 9th (5000m), 10th (500m), 12th (Total)
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Lelde GASUNA Kristaps ZVEJNIEKS Event: Women’s Giant Slalom; Women’s Slalom Event: Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Slalom Born: September 17, 1990, Sigulda, LAT Born: February 15, 1992, Riga, LAT H/F: 169 cm, 64 kg H/F: 184 cm, 90 kg Sex: F Sex: M Hobbies: Fixed-cycling, longboard Hobbies: Golf, roller-skating
First Coach: Gunta GASUNA First Coach: Jana ZVEJNIECE Coach: Einars LANSMANIS Coach: Peter PRODINGER OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2010 – 37th (S), 62nd (GS) WCH: 2013 – 49th (S), 51st (GS); WCH: 2013 – 38th (GS), didn’t finish (S); 2011 – 36th (S), 58th (GS) 2011 – 36th (S), 54th (GS) WJCH: 2013 – 8th (combination), 14th (S), Agnese ABOLTINA 33rd (GS), 47th (SG); 2012 – 35th (SG), 39th (GS), don’t finish (S); Event: Women’s Super-G; 2011 – 36th (S), 54th (GS) Women’s Giant Slalom; Women’s Slalom Born: February 7, 1996, Riga, LAT H/F: 164 cm, 78kg Sex: F Hobbies: Piano, singing First Coach: Vita CIESNIECE Roberts RODE Coach: Jorn Tore LINBERG Event: Men’s Downhill; (Men’s Slalom; OWG: No previous presence Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Super-G) WCH: 2013 – 74th (GS) Born: May 29, 1987, Riga, LAT EYOWF: 2013 – 39th (S), didn’t finish GS H/F: 183 cm, 89 kg YOWG: 2012 – 16th (S), 22nd (SC), 27th (GS) Sex: M Hobbies: Autosport
Martins ONSKULIS First Coach: Andis KORDE Coach: Andrejs RODE Event: Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Slalom OWG: 2010 – 58th (DH), didn’t finish (SC) Born: June 18, 1994, Sigulda, LAT WCH: 2011 – didn’t finish (DH, SC); H/F: 176 cm, 80 kg 2009 – 42th and 70th (GS), didn’t finish (S) Sex: M
Hobbies: Football
First Coach: Stanislavs SOKOLENKO Coach: Dinars DORSS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – didn’t finish (S)
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Vairis BRIZE Born: June 13, 1965, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2010
Dinars DORSS Born: August 5, 1983, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2006 and 2010
Stanislavs SOKOLENKO Born: August 2, 1963, Polesska, RUS Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2010
Jana ZVEJNIECE Born: May 12, 1971, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2010
Dzintars MELVERS Born: June 4, 1973, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Technical personnell OWG: No previous presence
34 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 35 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Officials
Arvis LIEPINS Gatis BERZINS
Event: Men’s Ind. Sprint Free, Born: September 12, 1983, Smiltene, LAT (Men’s 15km Classic; Men’s 15km Free) Born: March 18, 1990, Madona, LAT Sex: M H/F: 187 cm, 77 kg Function: Coach Sex: M OWG: No previous presence Hobbies: Travelling First Coach: Dainis VUSKANS Coach: Jekabs NAKUMS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 87th (15km); 2011 – 75th (15km) WJCH U-23: 2013 – 51st (15km), 54th (sprint); 2011 – 38th (sprint), 47th (30km), 58th – (15km)
Inga DAUSKANE Andris GAILITIS
Event: Women’s Ind.Sprint Free; Born: January 19, 1966, Lielvarde, LAT Women’s 10km Classic Born: April 12, 1980, Gulbene, LAT Sex: M H/F: 171 cm, 60 kg Function: Coach Sex: F OWG: No previous presence Hobbies: Hunting, travelling, reading First Coach: Janis ANCS Coach: Jekabs NAKUMS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 71st (sprint), 25th (sprint, team competitions), 83rd (10km); 2011 – 70th (sprint)
Janis PAIPALS Jekabs NAKUMS
Event: Men’s Ind. Sprint Free, Born: February 4, 1972, Priekule, LAT Men’s 15km Classic Sex: M Born: September 28, 1983, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 180 cm, 80 kg Function: Coach Sex: M OWG: As an athlete in 1998 and 2002 Hobbies: Rest in the nature
First Coach: Janis ANCS Coach: Maris CAKARS OWG: 2010 – 54th (30km), 62nd (sprint), 72nd (15km) WCH: 2009 – 69th (sprint)
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Kristers GUDLEVSKIS Sandis OZOLINS
Born: July 31, 1992, Ogre, LAT Born: August 3, 1972, Sigulda, LAT H/W: 192cm/86kg H/W: 190cm/95kg Position: Goal-keeper Position: Defence Club: Syracuse Crunch, AHL Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: April 7, 2012 1st Game: August 2, 1996 OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2002 – 9th place; #50 2006 – 12th place #8 WC GP MIN SEK GA AVE A PIM SO WC GP G A PTS PIM 1 18 423 15 15 2.1264 0 0 0 3 35 9 26 35 67
Ervins MUSTUKOVS Arvids REKIS Born: April 7, 1984, Riga, LAT Born: January 1, 1979, Jurmala, LAT H/W: 184cm/85kg H/W: 180cm/90kg Position: Goal-keeper Position: Defence Club: Esbjerg, Denmark Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: September 4, 2004 1st Game: August 13, 1997 OWG: 2010 – 12th place OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place #1 #6 WC GP MIN SEK GA AVE A PIM SO WC GP G A PTS PIM 1 13 344 58 18 1.9817 0 0 2 7 111 8 13 21 171
Edgars MASALSKIS Georgijs PUJACS
Born: March 31, 1980, Riga, LAT Born: June 11, 1981, Riga, LAT H/W: 176cm/85kg H/W: 184cm/83kg Position: Goal-keeper Position: Defence Club: HK SKP Poprad, Slovakia Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: November 11, 2000 1st Game: November 9, 2001 OWG: 2002 – 9th place; OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place #31 #81 2010 – 12th place
WC GP MIN SEK GA AVE A PIM SO WC GP G A PTS PIM 12 127 7192 46 320 2.6693 2 0 11 8 142 10 21 31 135
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Krisjanis REDLIHS Arturs KULDA Born: January 15, 1981, Riga, LAT Born: July 25, 1988, Leipzig, GER H/W: 189cm/93kg H/W: 188cm/98kg Position: Defence Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL Club: Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL 1st Game: April 10, 2002 1st Game: April 15, 2006 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place OWG: 2010 – 12th place #9 #32 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 8 123 9 12 21 56 3 22 3 4 7 20
Kristaps SOTNIEKS Ralfs FREIBERGS
Born: January 29, 1987, Riga, LAT Born: May 17, 1991, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/76kg H/W: 180cm/86kg Position: Defence Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL Club: Bowling Green State Univ., NCAA 1st Game: December 17, 2008 1st Game: April 19, 2013 OWG: 2010 – 12th place OWG: No previous presence #11 #29 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 4 95 5 13 18 58 1 10 0 2 2 10
Oskars BARTULIS Miks INDRASIS Born: January 21, 1987, Ogre, LAT Born: September 30, 1990, Riga, LAT H/W: 190cm/92kg H/W: 190cm/85kg Position: Defence Position: Forward Club: Donbass Donetsk, KHL Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: April 25, 2005 1st Game: February 9, 2012 OWG: 2010 – 12th place OWG: No previous presence #37 #70 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 3 26 2 3 5 16 2 37 9 6 15 4
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Martins CIPULIS Martins KARSUMS
Born: November 29, 1980, Cesis, LAT Born: February 26, 1986, Riga, LAT H/W: 181cm/85kg H/W: 178cm/90kg Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL Club: Dinamo Moscow, KHL 1st Game: April 9, 2001 1st Game: May 11, 2008 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; OWG: 2010 – 12th place 2010 – 12th place #47 #15 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 9 162 51 46 97 76 3 35 13 16 29 62
Vitalijs PAVLOVS Mikelis REDLIHS
Born: June 17, 1989, Riga, LAT Born: July 1, 1984, Riga, LAT H/W: 195cm/98kg H/W: 180cm/83kg Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL Club: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL 1st Game: February 10, 2011 1st Game: September 5, 2003 OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2006 – 12th place; #79 2010 – 12th place #24 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 1 33 1 2 3 16 7 146 26 42 68 111
Lauris DARZINS Janis SPRUKTS Born: January 28, 1985, Riga, LAT Born: January 31, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 191cm/91kg H/W: 189cm/85kg Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL Club: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL 1st Game: November 7, 2003 1st Game: April 12, 2000 OWG: 2010 – 12th place OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place #10 #5 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 7 99 36 19 55 76 9 145 27 52 79 36
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Ronalds KENINS Koba JASS
Born: February 28, 1991, Riga, LAT Born: May 1, 1990, Riga, LAT H/W: 182cm/91kg H/W: 183cm/87kg Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Zurich ZSC Lions, NLA Club: Bili Tygri Liberec, 1st Game: Februar y 11, 2011 Czech Republic OWG: No previous presence 1st Game: April 6, 2012 #91 OWG: No previous presence #51
WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 3 47 2 7 9 34 2 27 1 2 3 37
Kaspars DAUGAVINS Juris STALS
Born: May 18, 1988, Riga, LAT Born: April 8, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 185cm/93kg H/W: 191cm/94kg Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Geneve Servette, NLA Club: HK SKP Poprad, Slovakia 1st Game: April 15, 2006 1st Game: November 11, 2000 OWG: 2010 – 12th place OWG: No previous presence #16 #3 WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 5 44 12 3 15 20 6 115 11 21 32 56
Herberts VASILJEVS Armands BERZINS
Born: May 27, 1976, Riga, LAT Born: December 27, 1983, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/81kg H/W: 192cm/97kg Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Krefeld Pinguine, DEL Club: Beibarys Atyrau, Kazakhstan 1st Game: August 13, 1997 1st Game: September 3, 2004 OWG: 2006 – 12th place, OWG: 2006 – 12th place; #12 2010 – 12th place 2010 – 12th place #21
WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 9 113 24 44 68 98 6 133 10 31 41 184
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Zemgus GIRGENSONS Kirovs LIPMANS
Born: January 5, 1994, Riga, LAT Born: November 5, 1940, Liepaja, LAT H/W: 187cm/90kg Position: Forward Sex: M Club: Buffalo Sabres, NHL Function: President of NF 1st Game: May 5, 2013 OWG: 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG OWG: No previous presence #28 WC GP G A PTS PIM 1 5 1 0 1 0
Ingus EGLITIS John Theodor NOLAN
Born: January 21, 1969, Riga, LAT Born: April 7, 1958, Sault Ste. Marie, CAN Sex: M Sex: M Function: Equipment Manager Function: Head Coach OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence
Karlis ZIRNIS Thomas Patrick COOLEN
Born: November 2, 1977, Riga, LAT Born: November 20, 1953, Halifax, CAN Sex: M Sex: M Function: Coach Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence
Maris GORBUNOVS Maris BALDONIEKS
Born: January 14, 1983, Riga, LAT Born: May 24, 1955, Riga, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: Media Manager Function: General Manager OWG: No previous presence OWG: As a coach in 2002 and Administrative personnell in 2006 and 2010
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Liga CIRULE Mareks OSOVSKIS Born: March 10, 1961, Riga, LAT Born: April 3, 1977, Saldus, LAT Sex: F Sex: M Function: Head doctor Function: Physiotherapist OG: As doctor in 2004, 2008 OG: 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; and 2012 OG; 2002, 2006 2006 and 2010 OWG and 2010 OWG
Aldis CIRULIS Edvins LESENKOVS Born: May 5, 1957, Sigulda, LAT Born: January 19, 195, Riga, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: Doctor Function: Physiotherapist OG: As doctor in 1996, 2000, OG: 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; 2012 OG; 1994, 1998, 2002, 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG 2006 and 2010 OWG
Zane KRUZE Agris POTASS Born: March 19, 1960, Riga, LAT Born: October 7, 1983, Ludza, LAT Sex: F Sex: M Function: Doctor Function: Physiotherapist OG: As doctor in 1992, 1994, OG: No previous presence 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG
Janis KAUPE Janis KVEPS
Born: February 8, 1983, Riga, LAT Born: October 13, 1940, Madona, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Function: Doctor Function: Doctor, Ice Hockey OG: No previous presence OG: As doctor in 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG
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Fjodors MAZURS Born: November 27, 1956, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey OG: 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG
Arnis NOVEICUKS
Born: October 28, 1988, Riga, LA Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey OG: No previous presence
50 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 51 LATVIAN ATHLETES LATVIAN ATHLETES IN THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES IN THE OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES 1924-2014 1912-2012
MEDAL MEDAL YEAR WINTER GAMES PARTICIPANTS YEAR SUMMER GAMES PARTICIPANTS gold silver bronze gold silver bronze 1924 I Chamonix 2 - - - 1912 V Stockholm* 28 - - 1 1928 II Saint-Moritz 1 - - - 1924 VIII Paris 37 - - - 1936 IV Garmisch 26 - - - 1928 IX Amsterdam 14 - - - 1932 X Los Angeles 2 - 1 - 1968 X Grenoble 1 - - - 1936 XI Berlin 24 - 1 1 1976 XII Innsbruck 5 - - - 1980 XIII Lake Placid 5 1 1* 1 1952 XV Helsinki** 3 - - - 1984 XIV Sarajevo 11 - - 1 1956 XVI Melbourne** 5 1 4 - 1988 XV Calgary 10 2 - 3 1960 XVII Rome** 6 - 4 2 1964 XVIII Tokyo** 15 2 6 2 1992 XVI Albertville 24 - - - 1968 XIX Mexico** 11 3 - - 1994 XVII Lillehammer 28 - - - 1972 XX Munich** 4 - 2 1 1998 XVIII Nagano 31 - - - 1976 XXI Montreal** 9 2 2 2 2002 XIX Salt Lake 48 - - - 1980 XXII Moscow** 13 4 7 2 2006 XX Torino 58 - - 1 1988 XXIV Seoul** 6 4 1 - 2010 XXI Vancouver 59 - 1 1 2014 XXII Sochi 1992 XXV Barcelona 34 - 2 1
* Helmuts BALDERIS won the Silver Medals bu them. 1996 XXVI Atlanta 47 - 1 - He represented the USSR Ice Hockey Champion Team “Moscow CSKA“ 2000 XVIII Sydney 45 1 1 1 2004 XXVIII Athens 32 - 4 - 2008 XXIX Beijing 47 1 1 1 2012 XXX London 46 1 - 1 2016 XXXI Rio de Janeiro
* Latvian athletes participated as part of the Russian team. **Latvian athletes participated as part of the USSR team.
52 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 53 LATVIA LATVIA IN BRIEF IN BRIEF Republic of Latvia Republic of Latvia
Government Latvia is a democratic, parliamentary republic. Legislative power lies in the hands of a single chamber, the Saeima, which has 100 deputies. The Republic of Latvia was founded in 1918 on the coast of the Parliamentary elections are held every 4 years. Latvia’s head of state, Baltic Sea, in a territory that has been home to the Latvian the President, is elected by the Saeima for a period of 4 years. There is language and culture for thousands of years. universal suffrage for Latvian citizens over the age of 18. Latvia’s territory consists of fertile lowland plains and moderate Language hills, with most of its territory situated around 100m above sea level. Latvian is a language of the Balt group which belongs to the Indo- The country has vast forested areas, an extensive network of rivers, European language family. Its only linguistic relative is Lithuanian, thousands of lakes, and hundreds of kilometers of seashore lined with considered to be among the oldest and least changed of all living Indo- pine forests, dunes, and white sandy beaches. The country’s strategic European languages. It is estimated that 1,5 million people worldwide location between the Nordic countries and Russia has made it an use Latvian as their primary language. English and Russian are widely international crossroad for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange spoken throughout Latvia, while German, French, and the Scandinavian since ancient times. languages are also frequently heard. Country code: LV Foreign Policy Calling code: +371 Latvia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. Cooperation with Internet TLD: .LV (.EU) its neighbors in the Baltic Sea region is a priority for Latvia, and a key Time zone: EET (UTC/GME +2) goal is development of strategic global ties. Weights and measures: Metric EU since 2004 Education Natio nal day: November 18. Latvia has traditionally had one of the highest ratios of students per capita in the world. The state guarantees free primary and secondary Riga school education and offers scholarships for higher education. Latvia’s political, economic and cultural center is its capital city Riga, Latvia provides ethnic minority schools, where classes are taught in where more than one third of Latvia’s population lives and works. Riga Belorussian, Estonian, Hebrew, Lithuanian, Polish, Roma, Russian, and is listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s most important cultural and Ukrainian. architectural sites. Riga has hosted a NATO summit, a world Ice hockey championship in 2006, the Eurovision Song Contest, and many other Religious Confessions large-scale international events; in 2014 Riga is the European Capital Latvia is a secular state. The main religious confessions are Evangelic of Culture. Riga International Airport is one of the fastest growing travel Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Russian Orthodox but there is a strong hubs in Europe and provides flights to 81 destinations. ecumenical tradition.
54 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 55 LATVIA LATVIA IN BRIEF IN BRIEF Republic of Latvia Republic of Latvia
Economy Distinguished Individuals The main production sectors are IT, chemical and pharmaceutical ART industries, electronics, mechanical engineering, timber and Ilmārs Blumbergs, (1943), Inta Ruka (1958), Jānis Avotiņš (1981), construction, food processing, textiles, fishery, and agriculture. The Andris Eglītis (1981), Kristaps Ģelzis (1962), Katrīna Neiburga (1978) Bank of Latvia is a participant of the European System of Central are some of most visible artists on the Latvian contemporary art Banks. Since Latvia joined the EU, more than 20 international and scene. Internationally renowned Mark Rothko (1903-1970), Gustavs national commercial banks have been operating in the country, Klucis (1895-1938) were born in Latvia. offering a full array of banking services. Latvia’s three major ports – Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja are ice-free and service a wide range of LITERATURE global shipping needs. Inga Bele (1972), Nora Ikstena (1969), Kārlis Vērdiņš (1979), Inese Zandere (1958) are just a few contemporary Latvian talents whose Currency works have been translated into English, French, Czech and other As of January 1, 2014 Latvia becomes the eighteenth Member State of languages. the Euro zone. Previously the official currency was the Lat, consisting MUSIC of 100 santīms. Ēriks Ešenvalds (1977), Pēteris Vasks (1946) are internationally recognized composers. Mariss Jansons (1943) and Andris Nelsons Nature (1978) are two of the most celebrated conductors on the global stage. With over 44 percent of its territory covered by forests, a vast network FILM of free-flowing rivers and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of Europe’s Jānis Nords (1983) has recently gained international recognition with best-preserved havens for a wide variety of wildlife. Over 27 thousand his film “Mother, I love you”; film director Laila Pakalniņa (1962) has species of flora and fauna thrive in natural settings that are still made a name for herself on the European Film landscape with her relatively undisturbed by man. Many rare species, such as the black unique style. stork and lesser spotted eagle, make their homes in Latvia’s mixed THEATRE forests, marshes, and meadows. Alvis Hermanis (1965) is one of the leading theatre directors Climate in Europe; Vladislavs Nastavševs (1978), Valters Latvia’s weather features a temperate maritime climate, with Sīlis (1985) are two of the most promising young Latvian mild summers, moderate winters, and high levels of humidity and directors. precipitation. SPORTS Summer: June – August +13°C +19°C, average precipitation 195 mm. Māris Štrombergs (1987), double Olympic champion Winter: December – February -7°C 0°C average precipitation: 116mm. and the first ever winner of Olympic BMX, is currently the most popular athlete in Latvia.
Artist Writer Kristaps Ģelzis Nora Ikstena
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Nations have long understood that their greatest COMPOSER PĒTERIS VASKS (1946) treasure is their people. Latvia is an exceptional Pēteris Vasks is the most internationally renowned composer from example of how great people and great ideas can be Latvia. Vasks has regularly received commissions from world-famous born anywhere, and can make a small country very musicians, including the Kronos Quartet. Many of his hauntingly proud. This is just a brief look at the people, the ideas beautiful works have been used by international choreographers in and achievements which bring Latvia’s name into the original ballet productions. Vasks is the only Latvian composer who has a contract with the renowned music publisher Schott Musik world, and which make Latvia proud. International. CULTURE CONDUCTOR MĀRIS SIRMAIS (1969) Māris Sirmais is one of Latvia’s most celebrated conductors. In 1990, as MEZZO-SOPRANO ELĪNA GARANČA (1976) a student, he founded one of the best youth choir’s in Latvia – Kamēr…, Endowed with a magnificent mezzo-soprano voice, Elīna Garanča and conducted it for 22 years, winning 60 national and international has swiftly become one of the world’s brightest stars in classical competitions. Sirmais is also the artistic director and chief conductor music. She has collected several prestigious awards, such as from of the State Choir Latvija, which regularly participates in performances Echo Klassik and MIDEM, and performed at the world’s best operas with prominent orchestras, musicians, and conductors. in New York, Vienna, London and Paris. She is currently a soloist at the Wiener Staatsoper. PIANIST VESTARDS ŠIMKUS (1984) Šimkus started playing the piano at age 5, and went on to be educated CONDUCTOR ANDRIS NELSONS (1978) at world-class academies, such as the Queen Sofia School of Music Andris Nelsons began his career as a trumpeter in the Latvian and the University of Southern California. Šimkus has performed and National Opera Orchestra, swiftly moving on to conducting the participated in music performances and festivals all over the world, orchestra for several years. In 2008 Nelsons became musical director earning the New Names of the Planet scholarship, the Estonian of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and was named the White Star medal, as well as the Latvian Grand Music Award. He has musical director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the summer released five solo albums and won first place in several international or 2013. He has received numerous raving reviews for his guest piano competitions. conductor appearances at the world’s best opera houses. ACCORDIONIST KSENIJA SIDOROVA (1988) COMPOSER ĒRIKS EŠENVALDS (1977) Ksenija Sidorova has become famous worldwide as an accordionist Ēriks Ešenvals is one of the most popular and beloved Latvian who has injected accordion music with both quality and modernity, composers of the new generation. His piano, clarinet, and choral raised its status, and enhanced its popularity within the classic music music has been performed in Germany, Austria, the United States, genre. A number of famous composers have created works just and elsewhere, and has been recorded by several international choirs for Ksenija. Ksenija has two solo albums to her name and multiple on albums showcasing new Latvian music. He is currently resident international prizes to her name. composer at Cambridge University.
Conductor Mezzo-soprano Accordionist Pianist Andris Nelsons Elīna Garanča Ksenija Sidorova Vestards Šimkus
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DIRECTOR ALVIS HERMANIS (1965) Internationally renowned Latvian theater director Alvis Hermanis has Vladimir Lescov. RIJA has taken part in more than 40 international been the director of Riga’s New Theater since 1997 and has more than coproduction projects. One such collaboration, the animated film The 55 performances to his name, staged throughout Europe. Hermanis Triplets of Belleville, was nominated for an Academy Award as Best takes a documentary approach to theatre - the dramatic material is Animated Feature in 2003. created together with the actors, based on attentive observations of ILLUSTRATOR REINIS PĒTERSONS (1981) real life situations and human behaviour. One of the most prolific Latvian illustrators, Reinis Pētersons, is POP/ROCK BAND PRĀTA VĒTRA known for his magnificent visual interpretations of books, particularly PRĀTA VĒTRA was established by four ambitious school mates and for children. He also works in character and set design, poster art, is undoubtedly the most popular band in Latvia. The band received illustration, cartoons, and animation. His first charcoal on paper international recognition in 2000 in the Eurovision Song Contest; in animation film about the loneliness of a motorcycling circus bear won 2006 PRĀTA VĒTRA won the first ever BestBaltic Act award at the MTV awards both in Latvian and abroad. Europe Music Awards. Recently the band has toured all over Europe, FILM DIRECTOR, SCRIPTWRITER, AND JOURNALIST played at the Glastonbury festival, and performed as far away as LAILA PAKALNIŅA (1962) Singapore. Laila Pakalniņa first received international recognition in 1996, when INDIE ELECTRO-POP DUO INSTRUMENTI her documentaries Ferry and Post were included in the Cannes Film The hottest new band from Latvia is the indie electropop duo Festival and received the FIPRESCI award. In 2003, the film Python Instrumenti, which consists of two classically trained musicians was included in the Venice Film Festival – the first time a Latvian film from Rīga – Jānis Šipkēvičs, who has one of the most impressive was demonstrated at the event. Whereas Dream Land was nominated falsettos on the current music scene, and Reinis Sējāns, a master of for best documentary at the European Film Academy awards. harmonies. In 2011, the duo released its debut album, TRU, and their Pakalniņa’s newest feature film Pizzas was awarded special prize by second album Procrastination came out in May 2013. The band has a the jury of the 7th International Cinema XXI Rome Film Festival. devoted following in Rīga as well as on the European festival circuit. at the FIL World Luge Championships (Men’s doubles: 2011, Mixed team: 2008, 2009). They also won three medals in the mixed THE WONDERS OF LATVIAN ANIMATION team event at the FIL European Luge Championships with golds Animation is one of Latvia’s most attractive exports. The most in 2008 and 2010, and a bronze in 2006. outstanding Latvian animators are the studios RIJA, AB, and Atom Art, as well as directors Signe Baumane, Nils Skapāns, and
Director Pop/rock band Ilustrator Filmdirector, scriptwriter, Alvis Hermanis BRAINSTORM Reinis Pētersons and jpournalist Laila Pakalniņa
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SPORT
BMX CYCLIST MĀRIS ŠTROMBERGS (1987) BOBSLEIGH PILOT OSKARS MELBĀRDIS (1988) At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Māris Štrombergs became the first Oskars Melbārdis (1988) has competed since 2006. He started his career Olympic champion in BMX cycling. He continued to cement his Olympic as a brakeman, most notably competing along Jānis Miņins, however glory at the 2012 London Games, scoring a second Gold medal. He starting from 2010-11 season Melbārdis has been competing as a pilot. continues to add more wins to his growing list of victories, including World Cup standing in 2012/13 season won second place in 2 Man Bob European and World Championship titles and the US National Cycling and 4 Man Bob competitions, as well as became the winner in overall. League champion title. LUGE RACERS JURIS ŠICS AND ANDRIS ŠICS BEACH VOLLEYBALL DUO JĀNIS ŠMĒDIŅŠ (1987) AND Juris Šics (1983) and Andris Šics (1985) are brothers and ALEKSANDRS SAMOILOVS (1985) a Latvian lugers who has competed since 1998. Competing in The Latvian beach volleyball duo Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Jānis two Winter Olympics, they won a silver medal in the men’s doubles Šmēdiņš started playing together in the summer of 2012, after event at Vancouver in 2010. Both brothers won three bronze medals Šmēdiņš and his former partner Mārtiņš Pļaviņš returned from the at the FIL World Luge Championships (Men’s doubles: 2011, London Olympic Games with Bronze medals. The duo were ranked #1 Mixed team: 2008, 2009). They also won three medals in the mixed in 2013, according to the Beach Volleyball World Rankings. team event at the FIL European Luge Championships with golds in 2008 and 2010, and a bronze in 2006. SKELETON RACER MARTINS DUKURS (1984) Trained by his father, Martins Dukurs began competing in skeleton events in 1998. He is the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games silver medalist, has won four World Cups, and is a two time world champion and four time European champion.
BMX cyclist Māris Štrombergs - Beach volleyball duo Aleksandrs Luge racers Juris un Andris Šici - Skeleton racer Martins Dukurs - Olympic champion in Beijing 2008 Samoilovs and Jānis Šmēdiņš - Silver medalists in Vancouver 2010 Silver medalist in Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 World Top 1st 2013
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“When we truly realize where we come from and what we are, what we want to achieve and what helps our dreams to come true, only then we become a mighty forces. A Mighty Forces from Latvia. The Latvian Olympic Team.”
Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Elīza Tiruma (Luge) Ulla Zirne (Luge)
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Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Ulla Zirne (Luge)
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Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Eliza Tituma (Luge) Ulla Zirne (Luge)
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70 olimpiade.lv OlimpiadeLV Olimpiade_lv 71 House of Latvia | 8-22 February, 2014
WELCOME TO TASTE SOUND AND BEAUTY OF LATVIA!
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