Republic of Latvia, abbreviated: Latvia Latvian Latvija German Lettland French Lettonie Spanish Letonia 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 common foreign languages English, Russian and German. Capital Politics Latvia is a democratic parliamentary republic President Vaira VIKE–FREIBERGA Prime Minister Aigars KALVITIS Latvia is a member of the since May 2004

History The Republic of Latvia was founded on November 18, 1918. It has been continuously recognised as a state by other countries since 1920 despite occupation by the (1940 – 1941, 1945 – 1991) and Nazi (1941 – 1945). On August 21, 1991 Latvia declared the restoration of its de facto independence. Geography Latvia is one of the three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, ). Area 64,589 sq.km or 24,937 sq.miles. Length of Latvia’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 temperature of +15.8°C in summer and – 4.5°C in winter. Sources http:// www.li.lv Uniforms

For the twentieth time Winter in Torino will unite not only athletes but also sport fans and supporters all over the world. During seventeen days of Olympiad sport supporters and enthusiasts in Latvia, too, will attentively follow most exciting moments of fortune or 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 sledders, 10 bobsledders, 2 alpine skiers, 4 cross country skiers, 9 biathletes, 1 slider and 1 short track skater. I am convinced that everyone is full of determination to win, not to lose – as in sport the last word belongs to the athlete, regardless of the scientists’ findings, medical experts’ recommendations or coach- es’ instructions. Being aware of the severe competition to be expected in Torino, I do wish 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 sport supporters and fans that are well known for their excellent team-work and encouraging attitude not only to our own athletes and sport friends but also rivals. Thousands of people have invested in the organization of the Olympic Games. On behalf of the Latvian team I express our gratitude to the International Olympic Committee and the organizers of the Torino Olympic Games for this wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sportive and festive atmosphere in !

Good success!

Aldons Vrublevskis President Latvian Olympic Committee

Olympic Team Latvia 3 Olympic Team Latvia Olympic Team Latvia 45Olympic Team Latvia Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA Aigars KALVITIS Function: President of the Republic of Latvia Function: Prime Minister of Born: December 1, 1937, Riga, LAT the Republic of Latvia Sex: F Born: June 27, 1966, Riga, LAT Sex: M

Imants FREIBERGS Ina DRUVIETE Function: Accompanying Guest Function: Minister of Education and Science Born: March 12, 1934, Valmiera, LAT Born: May 29, 1958, Riga, LAT Sex: M Sex: F

Olympic Team Latvia 67Olympic Team Latvia Aldons VRUBLEVSKIS Andris LUPIKS Function: President, Latvian Olympic Committee Function: Deputy Chef de Mission Born: June 2, 1957, Jelgava region, LAT Born: March 26, 1970, Madona, LAT Sex: M Sex: M OG: As LOC Secretary General in 1992, OG: As Deputy Chef de Mission 1996, 2000, 2004 OG and 1992, in 2002 OWG 1994, 1998, 2002 OWG and as an official in 2004 OG

Einars FOGELIS Raitis KESELIS Function: Secretary General, Latvian Olympic Function: Deputy Chef de Mission Committee Born: October 11, 1979, Riga, LAT Born: April 30, 1960, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Sex: M OG: As an official in 2004 OG OG: As Leader of luge and team in 1992, as Assistant Chef de Mission in 1994 OWG, Chef de Mission 1996, 2000, 2004 OG and 1998, 2002 OWG

Zorzs TIKMERS Marita VILCINA Function: Chef de Mission Function: Press Attache Born: January 22, 1957, Tukums, LAT Born: June 5, 1971, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Sex: F OG: As an athlete (silver medal OG: As Press Attache in 2004 OG in rowing) in 1980, and Chef de Mission in 1994 OWG

Olympic Team Latvia 89Olympic Team Latvia Ivars CIAGUNS Janis CIAGUNS Event: Super G Function: Team leader Born: March 14, 1977, Riga, LAT Born: September 6, 1951, Aizkraukle, LAT H/W: 184cm/90kg Sex: M Sex: M OWG: As a coach in 1998, 2002 Hobbies: Fishing, cycling, travelling, water sport

Alpine skiing since: 1981 First Coach: Janis CIAGUNS (father) Coach: Janis CIAGUNS (father) OWG: 1998 – 34. super G Dinars DORSS 2002 – 25. slalom Function: Coach WC: 2005 – 39. slalom; 41. super G Born: August 5, 1983, Sigulda, LAT 2003 – 45. slalom; 48. super G Sex: M 2001 – 33. slalom OWG: No previous presence

OWG 2006:

Renars DORSS Event: Downhill, SLK, DHK Born: October 13, 1985, Sigulda, LAT H/W: 188cm/88kg Sex: M Hobbies: Beach volleyball

First Coach: Daigars DORSS (father) Coach: Daigars DORSS (father) Dinars DORSS (brother) OWG: No previous presence WJC: 2004 – 85. super G

OWG 2006:

Ivars CIAGUNS

Olympic Team Latvia 10 11 Olympic Team Latvia Anzela BRICE Madara LIDUMA Born: March 21, 1970, Born: August 10, 1982, Gulbene, LAT Severomorsk, RUS H/W: 167cm/60kg H/W: 161cm/50kg Sex: F Sex: F Hobbies: Reading, swimming Hobbies: Aerobics Biathlon since: 1998 First Coach: Janis ANCS Biathlon since: 1987 Coach: Maris CAKARS First Coach: Tatjana BELONOGOVA Skis: Fischer Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICS OWG: No previous presence Skis: Madshus WCH: 2005 – 65. Ind, 15. Spr, 29. Pur, 21. MixRel OWG: 2002 – biathlon 58. Spr, 63. Ind 2004 – 60. Ind, 77. Spr 1998 – cross-country 53. (30 km) 66. (10 km) 2003 – 48. Ind, 56. Spr, 48. Pur 78. (5 km) 2002 – 28. Ind, 14. Spr, 22. Pur WCup: 2001 – 57. Spr JWCH: 2003 – 13. Ind, 6. Spr, 8. Pur 2002 – 28. Ind, 14. Spr, 22. Pur OWG 2006 2001 – 33. Ind, 16. Spr, 11. Pur 2000 – 39. Ind, 48. Spr, 46. Pur WCup Total: 2005 – 62. Gerda KRUMINA OWG 2006 Born: November 26, 1984, Cesis, LAT H/W: 166cm/56kg Sex: F Hobbies: Open air activities Linda SAVLAKA Born: January 1, 1984, Gulbene, LAT H/W: 171cm/70kg Sex: F Biathlon since: 2001 Hobbies: Music First Coach: Ilze CEKULE Coach: Maris CAKARS Skis: Atomic Biathlon since: 1999 OWG: No previous presence First Coach: Voldemars MEZITIS WCH: 2005 – 84. Ind, 89. Spr Coach: Maris CAKARS JWCH: 2005 – 38. Ind, 30. Spr, 34. Pur Skis: Fischer OWG: No previous presence OWG 2006 WCH: 2005 – 67. Ind., 75. Spr, 21. MixRel 2004 – 61. Ind JWCH: 2004 – 50. Ind, 40. Spr, 22. Pur 2003 – 52. Ind, 9. Spr, 18. Pur 2002 – 11. Ind, 18. Spr, 32. Pur

OWG 2006:

Olympic Team Latvia 12 13 Olympic Team Latvia Janis BERZINS Ilmars BRICIS Born: January 9, 1984, Cesis, LAT Born: July 9, 1970, Riga, LAT H/W: 194cm/84kg H/W: 181cm/72kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Water-motosport, cycling Hobbies: Music, driving

Biathlon since: 1992 Biathlon since: 1984 First Coach: Ilze CEKULE First coach: Augusts UPENS Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICS Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICS Skis: Madshus Skis: Madshus OWG: 2002 OWG: 1992 – 61. Ind, 39. Spr, 16. Rel WCH: 2005 – 58. Ind, 29. Spr, 37. Pur, 19. Rel, 1994 – 41. Spr, 16. Rel 21. MixRel 1998 – 5. Ind, 32. Spr, 6. Rel 2004 – 83. Spr, 13. Rel 2002 – 39. Ind, 40. Spr, 51. Pur, 17. Rel JWCH: 2003 – 59. Spr, 40. Pur, 11. Rel WCH: 1993 – 79. Spr 2002 – 7. Ind, 7. Spr, 13. Pur, 10. Rel 1995 – Ind, 35. Spr, 12. Rel, 7. Tm 2001 – 42. Ind 1996 – 30. Ind, 13. Spr, 11. Rel, 13. Tm 2000 – 32. Ind, 69. Spr 1997 – 16. Ind, 23. Spr, 18. Pur, 12. Ref, 12. Tm 1998 – 9. Pur, 8. Tm OWG 2006 1999 – 10. Ind, 12. Spr, 6. Pur, 15. Mas, 5. Rel 2000 – 30. Spr, 31. Pur, 14. Mas, 6. Rel 2001 – 3. Ind, 40. Spr, 22. Pur, 8. Mas, 9. Rel Kristaps LIBIETIS 2002 – 8. Mas 2003 – 18. Ind, 33. Spr, 12. Pur, 4. Mas, 12. Rel Born: May 28, 1982, Aluksne, LAT 2004 – 30. Ind, 45. Spr, 28. Pur, 13. Rel H/W: 174cm/64kg 2005 – 38. Ind, 3. Spr, 14. Pur, 13. Mas, 19. Rel Sex: M WCup Total: 2005 – 16. Hobbies: Music, cars 2004 – 62. 2003 – 18. 2002 – 28. 2001 – 17. Biathlon since: 1992 2000 – 20. First Coach: Karlis BIBERS Coach: Intars BERKULIS OWG 2006 Skis: Fischer OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 92. Ind 2004 – 72. Ind JWCH: 2003 – 40. Ind, 35. Spr, 25. Pur, 11. Rel 2002 – 20. Spr, 30. Pur, 10. Rel 2001 – 22. Spr, 18. Pur, 5. Rel

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 14 15 Olympic Team Latvia Edgars PIKSONS Vitalijs URBANOVICS Born: July 17, 1983, Cesis, LAT Function: Team leader H/W: 178cm/72kg Born: February 4, 1948, Rezekne, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Football, fishing OWG: As a coach in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002

Biathlon since: 1996 First Coach: Ilgonis POGULIS Coach: Ilgonis POGULIS Skis: Fischer Maris CAKARS OWG: No previous presence Function: Coach WCH: 2005 – 54. Spr, 42. Pur, 19. Rel Born: July 30, 1963, Lizums, LAT JWCH: 2004 – 6. Ind, 13. Spr, 15. Pur Sex: M 2003 – 45. Ind, 6. Spr, 11. Pur OWG: No previous presence 2002 – 17. Ind, 44. Spr, 35. Pur, 10. Rel 2001 – 36. Spr, 23. Pur, 5. Rel 2000 – 71. Spr, 13. Rel

OWG 2006 Raivis ZIMELIS Aivars BOGDANOVS Function: Coach Born: August 18, 1976, Madona, LAT Born: February 27, 1965, Cesis, LAT H/W: 186cm/79kg Sex: M Sex: M OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998 Hobbies: Cycling As a coach in 2002

Biathlon since: 1988 First Coach: Egils ZINGITIS Coach: Vitalijs URBANOVICS Skis: Salomon OWG: 2002 WCH: 2005 – 53. Ind, 48. Spr, 39. Pur, 19. Rel, 21. MixRel 2004 – 46. Spr, 47. Pur, 13. Rel 2003 – 49. Ind, 50. Spr, 43. Pur, 12. Rel 2001 – 70. Ind, 62. Spr 2000 – 37. Spr, 56. Pur WCup Total: 2005 – 77.; 2003 – 76. 2002 – 82.; 2001 – 50.

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 16 17 Olympic Team Latvia Mihails ARHIPOVS Janis MININS Position: Pilot Position: Pilot Born: November 10, 1984, Born: August 15, 1980, Kuldiga, LAT Sigulda, LAT H/W: 185cm/99kg H/W: 183cm/88kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Fishing Hobbies: Football

First Coach: Rihards KOTANS First Coach: Rihards KOTANS Coach: Rihards KOTANS Coach: Janis SKRASTINS OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence WJCH: 2005 – 5. (2x); 8. (4x) WCH: 2005 – 19. (2x); 9. (4x) 2004 – 18. (2x); 8. (4x) 2004 – 15. (2x); 9. (4x) WJCH: 2004 – 1. (2x); 1. (4x) OWG 2006 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) Gatis GUTS OWG 2006 Position: Pilot Born: April 15, 1976, Ventspils, LAT H/W: 184cm/91kg Sex: M Hobbies: Beach volleyball Maris BOGDANOVS First Coach: Rihards KOTANS Born: May 7, 1979, Limbazi, LAT Coach: Ivars CAKURS H/W: 186cm/92kg OWG: 2002 – 13. (2x); 12. (4x) Sex: M WCH: 2005 – 20. (2x) Hobbies: Sports, computers 2004 – 10. (2x); 14. (4x) 2003 – 5. (2x); 12. (4x) 2001 – 15. (2x); 13. (4x) WCup Total: 2004/05 – 16. (2x); 18. (4x) First Coach: Ilze AVOTINA 1003/04 – 8. (2x); 17. (4x) Coach: Rihards KOTANS 2002/03 – 12. (2x); 13. (4x) OWG: No previous presence ECH: 2004 – 9. (2x); 16. (4x) WJCH: 2005 – 7. (2x); 8. (4x) 2003 – 10. (2x); 14. (4x) 2003 – 7. (4x) 2002 – 16. (2x); 17. (4x) ECH: 2004 – 16. (4x)

OWG 2006 OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 18 19 Olympic Team Latvia Intars DICMANIS Janis OZOLS Born: September 22, 1979, Born: December 4, 1972, Jurmala, LAT Sigulda, LAT H/W: 183cm/88kg H/W: 197cm/93kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Cars, music Hobbies: Snowboard

First Coach: Janis OZOLINS First Coach: Ivars CAKURS Coach: Ivars CAKURS Coach: Himself OWG: 2002 – 13. (2x); 12. (4x) OWG: 2002 – 7. (4x) WCH: 2005 – 20. (2x) 1998 – 6. (4x) 2004 – 10. (2x); 14. (4x) WCH: 2005 – 9. (4x) 2003 – 5. (2x); 12. (4x) 2004 – 9. (4x) 2003 – 5. (4x) OWG 2006 2001 – 4. (4x) 2000 – 10. (2x); 5. (4x) ECH: 2004 – 8. (4x) 2003 – 1. (4x) 2001 – 4. (4x) Daumants DREISKENS 2000 – 8. (2x); 2. (4x) Born: March 28, 1984, Gulbene, LAT H/W: 193cm/103kg OWG 2006 Sex: M Hobbies: Basketball Ainars PODNIEKS Born: October 13, 1980, Aizkraukle, LAT First Coach: Juris BASKERS H/W: 187cm/102kg Coach: Rihards KOTANS Sex: M OWG: No previous presence Hobbies: Fishing WJCH: 2005 – 5. (2x); 8. (4x) 2004 – 15. (2x); 8. (4x) First Coach: Brigita KRAUZE OWG 2006 Coach: Janis SKRASTINS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 9. (4x) 2004 – 9. (4x) WJCH: 2004 – 1. (4x) ECH: 2005 – 8. (4x) 2004 – 14. (4x)

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 20 21 Olympic Team Latvia Reinis ROZITIS Janis SKRASTINS Born: September 1, 1982, Valmiera, LAT Function: Team leader H/W: 181cm/86kg Born: July 7, 1955, Renceni, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Swimming OWG: As a bobsleigh athlete in 1984 (USSR team) As a coach in 1988 (USSR team) As Latvian team leader in 1992 and 1994, as US coach in 1998 and 2002. First Coach: Jekabs KUPSIS, Rihards KOTANS Coach: Janis SKRASTINS OWG: No previous presence Rihards KOTANS WJCH: 2004 – 8. (4x) Function: Coach ECH: 2004 (4x) Born: March 10, 1956, Livani, LAT Sex: M OWG 2006 OWG: As a bobsleigh athlete in 1984 (USSR team) As a coach in 1994, 1998, 2002

Marcis RULLIS Zintis EKMANIS Born: January 31, 1979, Valka, LAT Function: Administrative personnel H/W: 187cm/86kg Born: May 17, 1958, Pabazi, LAT Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Cinema OWG: As a bobsleigh athlete in 1984 and 1998 (USSR team), 1992 and 1994 (LAT team)

First Coach: Uldis DZENIS Coach: Ivars CAKURS Gints SEVICS-MIKELSEVICS OWG: 2002 – 11. (2x); 7. (4x) Function: Technical personnel WCH: 2005 – 19. (2x); 9. (4x) Born: January 10, 1967, Ogre, LAT 2004 – 15. (2x); 14. (4x) Sex: M 2003 – 7. (2x); 5. (4x) OWG: No previous presence 2001 – 4. (4x) 2000 – 10. (2x) ECH: 2005 – 12. (2x); 14. (4x) 2003 – 1. (4x) 2001 – 9. (2x); 4. (4x)

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 22 23 Olympic Team Latvia Olegs ANDREJEVS Olegs MALUHINS Born: September 12, 1980, Born: May 6, 1969, Daugavpils, LAT Kraslava, LAT H/W: 183cm/78kg H/W: 177cm/68kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Cars, reading Hobbies: Music, triathlon

First Coach: Anatolijs LEVSA First Coach: Nikolajs SOLOVJOVS Coach: Ivans AFANASJEVS Coach: Svetlana BRUVERE OWG: No previous presence OWG: Biathlon – 2002 – 17. Rel, 46. Spr, WJCH: 2000 – 93. (10 km) 1998 – 6. Rel, 6. Spr ECH: Triathlon – 2003 – 4. Rel, 5. Ind 1994 – 16. Rel, 40. Ind 1992 – 16. Rel, 13. Spr, 69. Ind OWG 2006 WCH: Biathlon – 2004 – 13. Rel, 30. Spr, 42. Ind 2003 – 12. Rel, 15. Ind, 26. Spr 2001 – 9. Rel, 21. Spr WCup Total: Biathlon – 2003/04 - 57. Valts EIDUKS 2002/03 – 63. Born: October 21, 1986, 2001/02 – 45. Jekabpils, LAT 2000/01 – 49. H/W: 179cm/64kg 1999/00 – 17. Sex: M ECH: Biathlon – 2004 – 6. Rel, 40. Spr Hobbies: Music, football 2003 – 10. Rel, 9. Ind 2002 – 3. Rel, 1. Spr, 20. Ind

First Coach: Ingus EIDUKS OWG 2006 Coach: Ingus EIDUKS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 92.(15 km) Intars SPALVINS WJCH: 2005 – 67. (10 km); 69. (20 km); 74. Spr Born: December 20, 1980, 2004 – 50. (10 km); 26. (30 km); 61. Spr Jelgava, LAT H/W: 186cm/80kg OWG 2006 Sex: M Hobbies: Fishing, football

First Coach: Janis MICULIS Coach: Ilgonis POGULIS OWG: No previous presence ECH: Biathlon – 2003 – 37. Ind, 54. Spr 2001 – 53. Ind, 59. Spr

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 24 25 Olympic Team Latvia Ingus EIDUKS Arturs IRBE Function: Team leader Position: -keeper Born: February 4, 1960, Preili, LAT Club: Red Bulls Salzburg, AUT Sex: M Born: February 2, 1967, Riga, LAT OWG: No previous presence H/W: 175cm/82kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP MIP GA GAA Games Lost National goals Anatolijs LEVSA 10 60 3525 140 2.38 Function: Coach Born: September 1, 1958, Daugavpils, LAT Sex: M OWG: No previous presence Edgars MASALSKIS Position: Goal-keeper Club: Neftyanik Almetyevsk, RUS Born: March 31, 1980, Riga, LAT H/W: 175cm/78kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP MIP GA GAA Games Lost National goals 4 38 2156 86 2.39

Sergejs NAUMOVS Position: Goal-keeper Club: Khimik Voskresensk, RUS Born: April 4, 1969, Riga, LAT H/W: 177cm/78kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP MIP GA GAA Games Lost National goals 5 74 4247 153 2.16

Olympic Team Latvia 26 27 Olympic Team Latvia Igors BONDAREVS Arvids REKIS Position: Defence man Position: Defence man Club: Riga 2000, LAT Club: Augsburger Panthers, GER Born: February 9, 1974, Riga, LAT Born: January 1, 1979, Jurmala, LAT H/W: 180cm/88kg H/W: 183cm/95kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place OWG: No previous presence

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 4 109 10 31 41 75 240461044 Viktors IGNATJEVS Agris SAVIELS Position: Defence man Position: Defence man Club: Black Wings, AUT Club: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, RUS Born: April 26, 1970, Riga, LAT Born: January 15, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 190cm/92kg H/W: 186cm/98kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place OWG: No previous presence

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 57110122266 22921 324 Rodrigo LAVINS Karlis SKRASTINS Position: Defence man Position: Defence man Club: Brynas, SWE Club: , NHL Born: August 3, 1974, Riga, LAT Born: July 9, 1974, Riga, LAT H/W: 178cm/88kg H/W: 188cm/85kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 7 144 13 24 37 98 7 131 26 35 61 89 Georgijs PUJACS Atvars TRIBUNCOVS Position: Defence man Position: Defence man Club: Riga 2000, LAT Club: Mora IK, SWE Born: June 11, 1981, Riga, LAT Born: October 14, 1976, Ogre, LAT H/W: 186cm/84kg H/W: 188cm/98kg OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 03213 416 8 122 10 8 18 98

Olympic Team Latvia 28 29 Olympic Team Latvia Girts ANKIPANS Aleksandrs NIZIVIJS Position: Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LAT Club: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, RUS Born: November 29, 1975, Riga, LAT Born: September 16, 1976, Riga, LAT H/W: 183cm/83kg H/W: 175cm/85kg OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 2 52 5 19 24 53 7 138 20 42 62 44 Armands BERZINS Grigorijs PANTELEJEVS Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LAT Club: Dmitrov, RUS Born: December 27, 1983, Riga, LAT Born: November 13, 1972, Gastello, RUS H/W: 192cm/90kg H/W: 178cm/90kg OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 01232 526 6 104 28 26 54 71 Aigars CIPRUSS Mikelis REDLIHS Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Riga 2000, LAT Club: IF Bjorkloven Umea, SWE Born: January 12, 1972, Riga, LAT Born: July 1, 1984, Riga, LAT H/W: 175cm/78kg H/W: 179cm/75kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place OWG: No previous presence

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 9 147 48 55 103 32 12963 9 4 Vladimirs MAMONOVS Aleksandrs SEMJONOVS Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: Metalurgs Liepaja, LAT Club: Malmo Redhawks, SWE Born: April 22, 1980, Riga, LAT Born: June 8, 1972, Riga, LAT H/W: 175cm/85kg H/W: 181cm/91kg OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2002 – 9th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 02496156 9 180 46 39 85 175

Olympic Team Latvia 30 31 Olympic Team Latvia Janis SPRUKTS Martins CIPULIS Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: HPK Haamelinna, FIN Club: Riga 2000, LAT Born: January 31, 1982, Riga, LAT Born: November 29, 1980, Cesis, LAT H/W: 190cm/105kg H/W: 180cm/85kg OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 36618213912 137681416 Leonids TAMBIJEVS Aleksandrs MACIJEVSKIS Position: Forward Position: Forward Club: EHC Basel, SUI Club: , DEN Born: September 26, 1970, Riga, LAT Born: June 26, 1975, Riga, LAT H/W: 176cm/85kg H/W: 177cm/80kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place OWG: 2002- 9th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 9 182 60 77 137 124 6 128 28 30 58 32 Herberts VASILJEVS Sandis OZOLINS Position: Forward Position: Defence man Club: Pinguine, GER Club: Anaheim Mighty Ducks (NHL) Born: May 27, 1976, Riga, LAT Born: August 3, 1972, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/75kg H/W: 188cm/92kg OWG: 2002 – 9th place OWG: No previous presence

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 4 35 2 10 12 20 3 27 8 23 31 57 Maris ZIEDINS Krisjanis REDLIHS Position: Defence man Position: Defence man Club: Stockton Thunder, ECHL Club: New Jersey Devils Born: July 3, 1978, Talsi, LAT Born: January 15, 1981, Riga, LAT H/W: 178cm/78kg H/W: 189cm/87kg OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence

WC GP G A PTS PIM WC GP G A PTS PIM 11312 3 2 34 2 2 4 14

Olympic Team Latvia 32 33 Olympic Team Latvia Kirovs LIPMANS Olegs ZNAROKS Function: Team Leader Function: Coach LHF President Born: January 2, 1963, Born: November 5, 1940, Liepaja, LAT Ustj Katav, RUS OWG: 2002 OWG: No previous presence

Leonids BERESNEVS Maris BALDONIEKS Function: Coach Function: Administrative personnel Born: July 6, 1958, Born: May 24, 1955, Riga, LAT Kirova district, RUS OWG: As a coach in 2002 OWG: No previous presence

Vitalijs SAMOILOVS Mihails SOSTAKS Function: Coach Function: Technical personnel Born: April 17, 1962, Riga, LAT Born: April 26, 1957, Riga, LAT OWG: As a goal-keeper 1988, OWG: 2002 Olympic Champion

Harijs VITOLINS Function: Coach Born: April 30, 1968, Riga, LAT OWG: As an athlete, flag bearer, 2002

Olympic Team Latvia 34 35 Olympic Team Latvia Aiva APARJODE Maija TIRUMA Event: Singles Event: Singles Born: February 18, 1977, Saulkrasti, LAT Born: November 28, 1983, Riga, LAT H/W: 177cm/74kg H/W: 173cm/67kg Sex: F Sex: F Hobbies: Cycling, shopping Hobbies: Sport, reading, travelling

First Coach: Peteris CIMANIS First Coach: Aivars KALNINS, Janis OZOLINS Coach: Vera ZOZULA Coach: Peteris CIMANIS OWG: No previous presence OWG: 2002 – 18. WCH: 2005 – 19.; 2004 – 17. WCH: 2003 – 17. 2003 – 16. WJCH: 2003 – 5. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 23. 2002 – 13. 2003/04 – 27. 2001 – 9. 2002/03 – 21. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 27. 2001/02 – 28. 2002/03 – 28. ECH: 2004 – 9., 6. (Team) 2001/00 - 44.

OWG 2006 OWG 2006 Anna ORLOVA Kaspars DUMPIS Event: Singles Event: Singles Born: August 23, 1972, Riga, LAT Born: December 23, 1982, Ogre, LAT H/W: 175cm/84kg H/W: 181cm/80kg Sex: F Sex: M Hobbies: Music, computer Hobbies: Relaxing

First Coach: Vera ZOZULA First Coach: Janis OZOLINS Coach: Vera ZOZULA Coach: Vera ZOZULA OWG: 2002 – 9.; 1998 – 13. OWG: No previous presence 1994 – 9. WCH: 2005 – 22. 1992 – 11. WJCH: 2001 – 18. WCH: 2005 – 8., Team – 10. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 27. 2004 – 7., Team – 6. 2003/04 – 20. 2003 – 4., Team – 2. 2002/03 – 31. 2001 – 12. 2001/00 – 63. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 13. 2003/04 – 6. OWG 2006 2002/03 – 7. 2001/02 - 18.

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 36 37 Olympic Team Latvia Guntis REKIS Martins RUBENIS Event: Singles Event: Singles Born: November 3, 1974, Riga, LAT Born: September 26, 1978, Riga, LAT H/W: 176cm/84kg H/W: 183cm/83kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Fishing, home design Hobbies: Snowboard, beach volleyball, BMX

First Coach: Dana SAULE First Coach: Dace GODS Coach: Peteris CIMANIS Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2002 – 29. OWG: 2002 – did not finish 1998 – 17. 1998 – 14. WCH: 2005 – 18. WCH: 2005 – 11., Team – 10. 2004 – 18., Team – 6. 2004 – 3. 2003 – 17. 2003 – 2. 2001 – 34. 2001 – 29. WCup Total: 2003/04 – 15. 2000 – 11. 2002/03 – 33. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 13. 2001/02 – 26. 2003/04 – 18. 2000/01 – 28. 2002/03 – 11. ECH: 2002 – 17. 2001/02 – 34. 2000/01 – 25. OWG 2006 OWG 2006

Andris SICS Juris SICS Event: Doubles Event: Doubles Born: May 12, 1985, Sigulda, LAT Born: April 26, 1983, Sigulda, LAT H/W: 179cm/80 H/W: 174cm/75kg Sex: M Sex: M Hobbies: Snowboard, travelling Hobbies: Autosport, travelling

First Coach: Eva HOFMANE First Coach: Eva HOFMANE Coach: Janis LIEPA Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: No previous presence OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2005 – 10. WCH: 2005 – 10. 2004 – 10. 2004 – 10. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 14. WCup Total: 2004/05 – 14. 2003/04 – 24. 2003/04 – 24.

OWG 2006 OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 38 39 Olympic Team Latvia Peteris CIMANIS Martins DUKURS Function: Team leader Born: March 31, 1984, Riga, LAT Born: March 29, 1958, Talsi, LAT H/W: 179cm/67kg Sex: M Sex: M OWG: As a coach in 2002 Hobbies: Music

First Coach: Dainis DUKURS Coach: Dainis DUKURS Aivars KALNINS OWG: No previous presence WJCH: 2004 – 26. Function: Coach 2003 – 11. Born: September 5, 1955, Ranka, LAT WCup Total: 2004/05 – 19. Sex: M ECH: 2004 – 10. OWG: As a coach in 1998 OWG 2006

Sandris BERZINS Dainis DUKURS Function: Technical personnel Function: Coach Born: July 15, 1976, Cesis, LAT Born: January 24, 1957, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Sex: M OWG: As an athlete in 1998 (singles–25.), OWG: As a coach in 2002 in 2002 (doubles - 10.)

Janis LIEPA Tomass DUKURS Function: Technical personnel Function: Coach Born: March 24, 1957, Tukums, LAT Born: July 2, 1981, Riga, LAT Sex: M Sex: M OWG: No previous presence OWG: As an athlete in 2002 (21.)

Olympic Team Latvia 40 41 Olympic Team Latvia Short Track ATHLETES

Evita KRIEVANE Born: Evita KRIEVANE H/W: 162cm/58kg Sex: F Hobbies: Reading, alpine skiing, ice–hockey, mountain-biking

First coach: Lasma KAUNISTE Coach: 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) Martins Dukurs 23. (1500m) 33. (1000m).

OWG 2006

Olympic Team Latvia 42 43 Olympic Team Latvia Liga CIRULE Boriss LONSAKOVS Function: Doctor Function: Physiotherapist Born: March 10, 1961, Riga, LAT Born: December 3, 1962, Riga, LAT Sex: F Sex: M OG: As doctor in OWG in 2002 and OG in OWG: No previous presence 2004

Aldis CIRULIS Fjodors MAZURS Function: Doctor Function: Physiotherapist, Born: May 5, 1957, Sigulda, LAT Born: November 27, 1956, Riga, LAT Sex: M Sex: M OG: As doctor in 1992, 1996, 2000, OWG: No previous presence 2004

Janis KVEPS Pavels PAUCONOKS Function: Doctor, Ice Hockey Function: Physiotherapist Born: October 13, 1940, Madona, LAT Born: March 13, 1968, Braslav, BLR Sex: M Sex: M OWG: As doctor in 2002 OWG: No previous presence

Maris EIKENS Mareks OSOVSKIS Function: Physiotherapist Function: Physiotherapist Born: February 21, 1952, Cesvaine, LAT Born: April 3, 1977, Saldus, LAT Sex: M Sex: M OWG: No previous presence OG: As physiotherapist in 2004

Boriss LAVRENOVS Function: Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey Born: May 10, 1957, Preili, LAT Sex: M OWG: No previous presence

Olympic Team Latvia 44 45 Olympic Team Latvia medal Year Winter Games Participants 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 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

* won the Silver Medals by them. He represented the USSR Ice Hockey Champion Team “ CSKA”

Olympic Team Latvia 46 47 Olympic Team Latvia Alpine Skiing 5 Maris ROZENTALS 1998, 2002 Marcis RULLIS 2002 Ilze ABOLA 1998 Janis SILARAJS 2002 Fem Mirdza MARTINSONE 1936 Janis SKRASTINS 1984 Herberts BERTULSONS 1936 Didzis SKUSKA 1994 Ivars CIAGUNS 1998, 2002 Male Male Aivars SNEPSTS 1984 Askolds HERMANOVSKIS 1936 Juris TONE 1988, 1992, 1994 Aivars TROPS 1988 Biathlon 9 Matiss ZACMANIS 2002 Anzela BRICE 2002 Inesis ZAPOROZECS 2002

Fem Ieva CEDERSTREMA 1994, 1998 Janis BERZINS 2002 Aivars BOGDANOVS 1992, 1994, 1998 Cross-Country Skiing 12 Andzela BRICE 1998 Ilmars BRICIS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Ineta KRAVALE 1994 Olegs MALUHINS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Female

Male Inara RUDKO 1998 Jekabs NAKUMS 1998, 2002 Karlis BUKASS 1936 Gundars UPENIEKS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Herberts DABOLINS 1936 Raivis ZIMELIS 2002 Edgars GRUZITIS 1936 Juris GERMANIS 1998, 2002 Bobsleigh 30 Janis HERMANIS 1992, 1994,1998 Male Boriss ARTEMJEVS 1992, 1994 Pauls KANEPS 1936 Ivars BERZUPS 1984, 1988, 1992 Roberts PLUME 1924 Gunars BUMBULIS 2002 Roberts RAIMO 1998 Egils BOJARS 1998 Alberts RIEKSTINS 1936 Intars DICMANIS 2002 Zintis EKMANIS 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994 Janis ELSINS 1998 Figure Skating 9 Jelena BEREZNAJA 1994 Gatis GUTS 2002 Alise DZEGUZE 1936 Aldis INTLERS 1992, 1994 Alma LEPINA 1992 Juris JAUDZEMS 1988 Female

Male Hildegarde SVARCE 1936 Olafs KLAVINS 1988 Verners AULS 1936 Rihards KOTANS 1984 Eduards GESELS 1936 Janis KIPURS 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994 Konstantins KOSTINS 1992 Rodzers LODZINS 1998 Male Olegs SLAHOVS 1994 Guntis OSIS 1988 Andrejs VLASCENKO 1994 Janis OZOLS 1998, 2002 Andris PLUKSNA 1992, 1994 Maris POIKANS 1984, 1988 Sandis PRUSIS 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Otomars RIHTERS 1992, 1994

Olympic Team Latvia 48 49 Olympic Team Latvia Ice Hockey 36 Luge 26 Aleksejs AUZINS 1936 Ingrida AMANTOVA 1980, 1984 Janis BEBRIS 1936 Iluta GAILE 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Roberts BLUKIS 1936 Anna ORLOVA 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Arvids JURGENS 1936 Astra RIBENA-VITOLA 1980 Herberts KUSKIS 1936 Jurita SNITKO 1998 Female Roberts LAPAINIS 1936 Evija SULCE 1992, 1994 Karlis PAEGLE 1936 Maija TIRUMA 2002 Adolfs PETROVSKIS 1936 Vera ZOZULA 1976, 1980, 1984 Arvids PETERSONS 1936 Sandris BERZINS 1998, 2002 Janis ROZITIS 1936 Dainis BREMZE 1976, 1980 Leonids VEDEJS 1936 Ivars DEINIS 2002 Helmuts BALDERIS 1980 Juris EISAKS 1984 Vitalijs SAMOILOVS 1988 Agris ELERTS 1992, 1994 Kaspars ASTASENKO 2002 Aigars KRIKIS 1976, 1980 Aleksandrs BELAVSKIS 2002 Valdis KUZIS 1976 Igors BONDAREVS 2002 Dairis LEKSIS 1994, 1998 Aigars CIPRUSS 2002 Maris LEGERIS 1998 Male Vjaceslavs FANDULS 2002 Male Aivars POLIS 1992 Viktors IGNATJEVS 2002 Guntis REKIS 1998, 2002 Arturs IRBE 2002 Martins RUBENIS 1998, 2002 Aleksandrs KERCS 2002 Nauris SKRAUSTINS 2002 Rodrigo LAVINS 2002 Roberts SUHAREVS 1992, 1994, 1998 Aleksandrs MACIJEVSKIS 2002 Aivis SVANS 1994 Edgars MASALSKIS 2002 Rolands UPATNIEKS 1976 Andrejs MATICINS 2002 Einars VEIKSA 1984 Sergejs NAUMOVS 2002 Juris VOVCOKS 1994, 1998 Aleksandrs NIZIVIJS 2002 Sandis OZOLINS 2002 Grigorijs PANTELEJEVS 2002 Skeleton 1

M Tomass DUKURS 2002 Aleksandrs SEMJONOVS 2002 Sergejs SENINS 2002 Karlis SKRASTINS 2002 Speed-Skating 6 Olegs SOROKINS 2002 Lasma KAUNISTE 1968 Leonids TAMBIJEVS 2002 Fem Ilonda LUSE 1994, 1998, 2002 Atvars TRIBUNCOVS 2002 Janis ANDRIKSONS 1936 Harijs VITOLINS 2002 Alfons BERZINS 1936

Male Arvids LEJNIEKS 1936 Free-style Skiing 2 Alberts RUMBA 1924, 1928 Normunds APLOCINS 1992

Male Dans JANSONS 1992 Total Athletes 136

Olympic Team Latvia 50 51 Olympic Team Latvia 1932 J.Dalins silver, 50 km distance walking 1936 E.Bietags silver, Greco-Roman wrestling 1936 A.Bubenko bronze, 50 km distance walking

In 1940, LOC activities were interrupted by the occupation of Latvia and its illegal incorporation into the USSR. In 1951 the USSR Olympic Committee was recognised by the IOC. As a result, beginning with 1952, the Latvian athletes who qualified for Olympic competitions could only do so as a part of the USSR team. From 1952 to 1988 they won 19 gold, 29 silver and 14 bronze medals, including 7 at Olympic Winter Games. It was at the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne (1956) when for the first time an athlete from Latvia - javelin thrower Inese Jaunzeme - became the Olympic Champion. But Vera Zozula was the first athlete from Latvia to became Olympic Champion at the Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid (1980) in luge sports. Another Latvian athlete Ingrida Amantova, a debutant in the USSR squad, also caused a sensation by winning a bronze medal at the Lake Placid Games. Today both of them are the national coaches in luge sports. Founded April 23, 1922 Helmuts Balderis had won a silver medal by then, representing the USSR Olympic debut 1924 ice hockey team. Activities suspended 1940 At the in Sarajevo Zintis Ekmanis won a bronze Activities renewed November 19, 1988 medal in the bobsleigh two-man event. The Kalgari Olympic Games Recognised again by the IOC September 18, 1991 appeared to be most successful for our athletes winning 5 medals alto- gether – gold in bobsleigh by Janis Kipurs and gold also in ice-hockey – by The Olympic movement in Latvia took roots at the beginning of the 20th Vitalijs Samoilovs. century, when Latvia was still a part of the Russian Empire. In 1911, the On 19 November 1988 in Riga, 483 representatives of various Latvian Baltic Olympic Committee was established in Riga, but it was still under the sport organizations came together at a general meeting and took a deci- jurisdiction of the Russian Olympic Committee. Therefore, at the 1912 sion to restore the Latvian Olympic Committee on the principle of continu- Olympic Games in Stockholm, the Latvian athletes participated as a part ity. The initiator of the idea was Vilnis Baltins, the world ex-champion in row- of the Russian team. After the proclamation of the independence of the ing, and he was also elected president of the Latvian Olympic Committee. Republic of Latvia in 1918, the Latvian athletes expressed their intention, in the summer of 1920, to participate at the Olympic Games in Antwerp. In August 1991, the Republic of Latvia renewed its independence, and The request was refused because Latvia did not have Olympic Committee already on 18 September 1991 the IOC Executive Committee at its meet- at that time. ing in recognised again the rights of the Latvian, as well as Lithuanian and Estonian Olympic Committees. The Latvian Olympic Committee (LOC) was established on 23 April 1922. In 1923, the LOC received a notification from the IOC that Latvia was It is important to point out that the Latvian Olympic Committee never with- accepted as a candidate state of the IOC and, therefore, was invited to drew its membership from the IOC, nor have the internationally recognised participate at both: the I Olympic Winter Games in Chamonix, and the VIII Latvian sports federations and associations left the International federa- Games of the Olympiad in Paris in 1924. tions. Under the renewed LOC mandate, the Latvian Olympic delegation partic- Thus, the Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924 became the first ipated the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Games of the Olympiad, as well debut of Latvia, being among the 16 states that opened the first Winter as the 1992, 1994, 1998 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Olympics. Only two years later Janis Dikmanis, the first president of the LOC, was elected IOC member. From 1992 to 2004, Latvian athletes won 11 medals at the Games of the Olympiad -1 gold, 8 silver and 2 bronze. Between the two World Wars, the Latvian Olympic delegation participat- ed at the 1924, 1928, 1932, and 1936 Games of the Olympiad, as well So far the best results of the Latvian athletes in Winter Olympic Games as the 1924, 1928 and 1936 Olympic Winter Games, and won three have been achieved in Nagano (1998) - 5th and 6th positions in both - medals: biathlon and bobsleigh. Torino 2006 will be the third Games of the Winter Olympiad for the Latvian hockey players (1936, 2002, and 2006).

Olympic Team Latvia 52 53 Olympic Team Latvia Chamonix, 25 January– 5 February 1924 pendent national team. During this period 19 gold, Latvian team: 29 silver and 14 bronze medals were won by the Athletes – 2, Latvian athletes. events – 2 (cross country skiing, ), medals - 0 Grenoble, 6 – 18 February 1968 Latvia was among those 16 states that opened the Latvian athletes in the USSR team: first Winter Olympics. Athletes – 1, events – 1 (speed skating), Two athletes – the eight-time Latvian speed skating medals – 0 champion Alberts Rumba and skier Roberts Plume In Grenoble, a Latvian athlete – speed skater represented Latvia at Chamonix. Rumba participated Lasma Kauniste – was included in the USSR Olympic in the 500m, 1500m, 5000m and 10 000m races, delegation. She was equally good at all the speed gaining the highest position (10th) in the 1500m skating distances, which she had proved on several race. Roberts Plume participated in the 18km and occasions in both – European and World Champion- 50km skiing distances, not finishing either. However, ships. In Grenoble, Lasma competed in three dis- only one start by Plume is documented – the ski tances gaining 5th result in the 1,500m distance, marathon which Plume attempted for the first time in 11th place in the 1,000m race and 12th place in the his life. 3,000 metres. The two athletes played an important role in the development of sports in the country. Roberts Plume Innsbruck, 4 – 15 February 1976 has been the LOC president since 1933. Latvian athletes in the USSR team: Athletes – 5, events – 1 (luge), Saint Moritz, 11 – 19 February 1928 medals - 0 Latvian team: In order to prepare for the Winter Olympics a natu- Athletes – 1, events – 1 (speed skating), ral luge track was built in Cesis by a group of dedi- medals - 0 cated individuals. As a result, in Innsbruck the Soviet Speed skater Alberts Rumba was the only Latvian team was composed almost entirely of the Latvian participant in the second Winter Olympic Games. But athletes. Demonstrating a stable performance, with his best athletic years behind him, Rumba only Dainis Bremze gained the high 8th place in the men’s achieved 16th place in the 500m race, 14th place in competition, Aigars Krikis came 13th. Both athletes the 1500m race and 15th in the 5000m race. together achieved 8th position in the doubles. The second Latvian duet – the 44 year old Rolands Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Upatnieks and Valdis Kuzis were in 9th position. The 6 – 16 February 1936 overall placing of Vera Zozula was 9th in the Latvian team: women’s single luge. The Latvian speed skater from Athletes – 26, events – 5 (alpine skiing, Silvija Burka achieved 4th place in the 1000 cross country skiing, figure skating, metres. ice hockey, speed skating), medals - 0 Lake Placid, 13 – 23 February 1980 Although the weather conditions before the Latvian athletes in the USSR team: Olympic Games hindered the training process, yet Athletes – 5, events – 2 (ice hockey, luge), 26 Latvian took part this Olympiad and competed in medals - 3 speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, alpine ski- 5 Latvian athletes participated at the Olympics ing and cross country skiing. The best result was under the USSR colours. A surprising result was achieved by speed skater Alfons Berzins, his highest demonstrated by the Latvian luge athletes Vera position being 14th place in the 500m distance. Zozula and Ingrida Amantova who won a gold and a It was the first time when the Latvian national team bronze medal respectively. took part in the ice hockey tournament. Another Latvian representative in the Soviet team in Lake Placid was Astra Ribena, who gained 8th In 1940 the LOC activities were interrupted by the position in luge. The outstanding Latvian hockey play- occupation of Latvia and its illegal incorporation into er Helmuts Balderis played for the Soviet team, earn- the USSR. ing a silver medal. The deciding match for the gold From 1952 to 1988 the Latvian athletes could no was won by the American team (4:3). longer participate in the Olympic Games with an inde-

Olympic Team Latvia 54 55 Olympic Team Latvia Sarajevo, 8 – 19 February 1984 gold in Calgary. The victory was achieved by Janis Latvian athletes in the USSR team: Kipurs together with his Russian partner Kozlov. The Athletes – 11, events – 2 (bobsleigh, luge), Latvian athletes Zintis Ekmanis and Aivars Trops medals - 1 achieved 9th place. In the 4-man bob team competi- 11 Latvian athletes participated in the Olympics tion Kipurs/V.Kozlov/Osis/Tone were two hundredth under the USSR colours. Until 1980, the Soviet second faster than the US team, and won a bronze. Union did not train in bobsleigh sports, but East- The other USSR team consisted only of Latvians – Germany’s success in this sport impelled the USSR Maris Poikans, Olafs Klavins, Ivars Berzups and Juris to develop it, too. In pairs competitions, Zintis Jaunzems, they won 5th place. Vitalijs Samoilovs, Ekmanis and his partner Aleksandrovs won a the Latvian ice hockey player, was included in the bronze medal. Janis Kipurs and Aivars Snepsts Soviet team. The team won a gold medal although gained 4thplace. Surprising the world with their Samoilovs himself was unable to play. performance, Kipur’s team (Snepsts, Poikans, Berzups) won 6th place and Ekmanis’ 4-men team Albertville, 8 – 23 February 1992 (Aleksandrovs, Skrastins, Kotans) gained 12th Latvian team: place. Four Latvian athletes were also included in Athletes – 23, events – 6 (biathlon, bobsleigh, the luge team. None of them, however, managed to figure skating, freestyle skiing, luge, repeat the Lake Placid victories. Ingrida Amantova cross country skiing), medals – 0 remained in 4th place, Vera Zozula - in 5th place, 24 athletes participated at the Winter Games. and Juris Eisaks and Ainars Veiksa - in 6th place in Though the LOC was re-established on November pair competition. 19, 1988, it had not yet received the international recognition until September 18, 1991. Finally, the Calgary, 13 – 28 February 1988 way to Albertville was open! The most notable suc- Latvian athletes in the USSR team: cess was made by bobsledder Sandis Prusis and his Athletes – 10, events – 2 (bobsleigh, ice hockey), team. The highest position gained by the luge athlete medals - 3 Anna Orlova and the 2-man team Aivars 10 Latvian athletes participated at the Olympics Polis/Roberts Suharevs was 11th place. under the USSR colours. The bobsleigh team won a

Olympic Team Latvia 56 57 Olympic Team Latvia Lillehammer, 12 – 27 February 1994 Latvian team: Athletes – 27, events – 6 (biathlon, bobsleigh, figure skating, luge, cross-country skiing, speed skating), medals – 0 27 Latvian athletes participated at the Olympic Games. The best result was achieved by the figure skater pair Jelena Bereznaja and Oleg Slahov. They won 8th place. Among the luge athletes the highest place was gained by Anna Orlova – she achieved 9th position. Expectations concerning the bobsleigh team did not come true. However, the athletes’ effort created a precedent for a successful participation in Nagano.

Nagano, 7 – 22 February 1998 Latvian team: Athletes – 29, events – 6 (alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, luge, cross-country skiing, speed skating), medals – 0 31 Latvian athletes made their way to Nagano and 29 of them participated in competitions, repre- senting six different sports. For the second time the Olympic dream for our ice-hockey team did not come true, losing the deciding match with (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 was 5th (4th fastest in skiing). In the 10 km sprint Nakums was in 5th and Maluhins in 6th position. Latvia experienced the brightest moment of the Games on 22nd February, when at the end of the second leg of the biathlon relay the Latvian athletes overtook the German team and became the leaders. However, the overall result for the team was 6th place. In the ladies’ competition, the only Latvian repre- sentative, Ieva Cederstrema-Wolfa had her best result in the 15 km distance, finishing 25th. In bobsleigh, Sandris Prusis and his partners – Janis Elsins, Egils Bojars and Janis Ozols were able to break into the top six in both disciplines, gaining the best result was achieved by Roberts Raimo, who 5th position in the 2-man competition and 6th - in the came 60th out of 75 competitors in the 50km dis- 4-man competition. tance. In luge sports, Latvia was represented by 10 ath- After 62 years, Latvia was once more represented letes. However, the results were not sufficient. Anna in the downhill skiing. Both Ilze Abola and Ivars Orlova and Iluta Gaile were in 13th and 14th position Ciaguns successfully reached the finish line in both respectively. Martins Rubenis finished 14th in his runs of the giant slalom, coming 31st and 34th first senior competition and was the best of the respectively. Latvian men. In the ladies skiing competition, neither In speed skating Ilonda Luse succeeded in fulfilling Inara Rudka, nor biathlon athlete Andzela Brice were the minimum programme – not finishing last in any of able to get out of the last 10 placings. Among men the three distances.

Olympic Team Latvia 58 59 Olympic Team Latvia Salt Lake, 8 – 24 February 2002 In biathlon the highest placing was for Olegs Latvian team: Maluhins, who finished 30th in the 12, 5 km pursuit Athletes – 48, events – 8 (alpine skiing, biathlon, from a starting position of 46. The competition in bobsleigh, ice hockey, Salt Lake was not successful either for Bricis, or luge, cross-country skiing, skeleton, Nakums or Upenieks. In the relay the biathlon quar- speed skating), medals – 0 tet was in 17th place out of 19 competing teams – In , for the first time since the renew- the worst result in four Olympic Games. al of independence, the Latvian flag at the opening Andzela Brice, having qualified for the Olympics at ceremony was not carried by a bobsledder but the the last moment, lived up to her professional abili- of the national ice hockey team Harijs ties, even overtaking 16 competitors in the sprint. Vitolins. In the pairs competition Sandis Prusis and Marcis In four matches played in Salt Lake City the Latvian Rullis were successful only at the second run. team demonstrated a nice game. For the first time Nevertheless, for the first time in the Olympic Games on the national side, the NHL Sandis Ozolins both Latvian crews came in the top fifteen - Sandis revealed himself in his full glory (4 assists). Prusis/Marcis Rullis shared 11/12 place with the Italian crew of Tossini, but Gatis Guts/Intars Dicmanis shared 13/14th place with the French pair of Bruno Mingeon. In the four-man competition Sandris Prusis/Marcis Rullis/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 the 6th place). Anna Orlova was in 9th placing, repeating the result she achieved in Lillehammer. The youngest member of the Latvian delegation, 17 year old Maija Tiruma took 18th place. In men competition, the highest placing (22nd) was gained by Nauris Skraustins, and in the doubles – 10th position - by Ivars Deinis/Sandris Berzins. In cross country skiing, Juris Germanis had the most successful competition in this sports since the renewal of independence – 49th place in the 15km classic style, 54th in the combined (10 km classic style and 10 km) and 60th result in the 30 km dis- tance. The Alpine skier Ivars Ciaguns failed to finish in the giant slalom, but completed both runs in the slalom, being placed 25th among 78 competitors. That was the 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 her performance over the 3000 m distance by 24 sec- Unfortunately, the deciding game of the group onds. In the closed of Salt Lake against Germany was lost by 1:4. But in the match City, she was not last in either of her two starts, how- for the 9th place against Ukraine the Latvian team ever, the Latvia’s best result remained unachieved. won by 9:2.

Olympic Team Latvia 60 61 Olympic Team Latvia Olympic Team Latvia 62

Torino 2006 Competitions of Latvian Team

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Ceremonies

Ice Hockey 1 Palasport Olimpico

Ice Hockey 2 Short Track Palavela Cross-Country Skiing Plan

Alpine Skiing Colle

Alpine Skiing Sestriere Borgata

Biathlon

Bobsleigh

Skeleton Cesana Pariol

Luge Cesana Pariol

Start days of Latvian team Daily medals Award Event

Latvian Olympic Committee Address 49, Elizabetes Street Riga, LV-1010, Latvia Phone +371 7282462 Fax +371 7282123 E-mail [email protected] www.olimpiade.lv

Torino 2006 Olympic Team Latvia Text Aija ERTA, Velga MIZOVSKA, Marita VILCINA © LOC Design Vilhelms IRISTS, Ainars GAIDIS Sia DUE Techn. Director Karlis JAKADELS Photo LOC Archive, Valdis BRAUNS Printed A/s Preses nams

Olympic Team Latvia 66