Media Guide Latvia Sochi 2014

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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!

Aldons VrublevskisPresident of the Latvian Olympic Committee

Latvian OlympiansKristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing)

Eliza Tiruma (Luge)

UNIFORMS


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Fisht Olympic Stadium

Olympic Opening Ceremony

Iceberg Skating Palace Figure Skating

Ice Cube Curling Center Curling

Iceberg Skating Palace

Short Track Speed Skating

Adler Arena Skating Center Speed Skating

Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center Biathlon

Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center

Cross-Country Skiing

Rosa Khutor Alpine Center Alpine Skiing

Sanki Sliding Center Bobsleigh

RusSki Gorki Ski Jumping Center Ski Jumping

Rosa Khutor Extreme Park Snowboard

RusSki Gorki Ski Jumping Center

Nordic Combined

Sanki Sliding Center Luge

Rosa Khutor Extreme Park

Freestyle Skiing

Sanki Sliding Center Skeleton

Shayba Arena Ice Hockey I

Bolshoy Ice Dome Ice Hockey II

Fisht Olympic Stadium

Olympic Closing Ceremony

Competition Days Latvian participation Latvian participation

COMPETITION SCHEDULE


Function President of the Republic of Latvia

Andris BERZINS

Function President 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.

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.

Zorzs TIKMERS

Aldons VRUBLEVSKIS

HONOURED GUESTS OFFICIALS


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

Function Press Attache Born June 5, 1971, Aluksne, LAT OG Press Attaché –

2004, 2008, 2012 OG 2006, 2010 OWG

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

Marita VILCINA

Andris LUPIKS

Raitis KESELIS

Get to know it!latvia.eu

LatviaOFFICIALS


Event: Women 15km Ind.; Women 7,5km Sprint; (Women 10km Pursuit)

Born: October 5, 1989, Rezekne, LAT H/F: 157 cm, 52 kg Sex: F Hobbies: reading, sewing and knitting

First Coach: Sergejs SVERCKOVS Coach: Gatis PRAULITIS OWG: 2010 – 19th (4x6km), 79th (7,5km sprint), 84th (15km Ind) WCH: 2013 – 86th (15km Ind), 90th (7,5km sprint); 2012 – 72nd (7,5km sprint), 89th (15km Ind); 2011 – 78th (7,5km sprint), 80th (15km Ind) ECH: 2012 – 31st (15km Ind), 39th (7,5km sprint) ECH U-26: 2011 – 44th (15km Ind), didn’t finish (7,5km sprint) EJCH: 2010 – 21st (7,5km sprint), 38th (15km Ind)

Event: Men 20km Ind.; Men 10km Sprint; Men 12,5km Pursuit; Men Mass Start 15km

Born: May 27, 1988, Aluksne, LAT H/F: 181 cm, 70 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Play guitar

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).

Zanna JUSKANE

Andrejs RASTORGUJEVS

Born: April 22, 1952, Cesis, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2006, 2010

Born: February 2, 1976, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: 2010

Intars BERKULIS

Janis BERZINS

Born: February 27, 1965, Cesis, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998 OWG; As a coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010

Aivars BOGDANOVS

BIATHLON BIATHLON Officials


Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: April 4, 1993, Valmiera, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 95 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hunting

First Coach: Raitis RAVINSKIS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob) WJCH: 2012 – 2nd (4 Men Bob), 3rd (2 Men Bob) Wcup: 2012/13 – 18th (4 Men Bob), 26th (2 Men Bob) 2011/12 – 95th (2 Men Bob) YOWG: 2012 – 4th (2 Men Bob)

Oskars KIBERMANIS

Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: February 16, 1988, Valmiera, LAT H/F: 190 cm, 100 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Motocross, football

First Coach: Baiba KAUFMANE Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – didn’t start WCH: 2013 – 5th (2 Men Bob), 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – didn’t finish (4 Men Bob), 8th (2 Men Bob);

2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob), 13th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 4th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob), 5th (2 Men Bob) Wcup: 2012/13 – 3rd (2 and 4 Men Bob); 2011/12 – 15th (4 Men Bob), 6th (2 Men Bob); 2010/11 – 20th (2 Men Bob), 25th (4 Men Bob) WJCH: 2012 – 1st (2 and 4 Men Bob)

Oskars MELBARDIS

Arvis VILKASTE Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: April 8, 1989, Balvi, LAT H/F: 183 cm, 97 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hunting

First Coach: Sarmite KEISELE Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 -9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 - didn’t finish (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 -5th (4 Men Bob); 2012 - 7th (4 Men Bob); WICH: 2012 - 1st (4 Men Bob)

Daumants DREISKENS Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: March 28, 1984, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 193 cm, 108 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Basketball

First Coach: Juris BASKERS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – 8th (2 Men Bob); 2006 – 6th (2 Men Bob) and 10th (4 Men Bob) WCH: 2013 – 5th (2 Men Bob), 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 6th (4 Men Bob), 8th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 16th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 4th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 5th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 7th (2 Men Bob)

BOBSLEIGHBOBSLEIGH


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)

Helvijs LUSIS

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)

Vairis LEIBOMS

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

Raivis BROKS

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)

BOBSLEIGH


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

Janis STRENGA

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)

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)

Intars DAMBIS

BOBSLEIGH


BOBSLEIGH Officials

Born: February 20, 1959, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2010

Janis KOLS

Born: May 17, 1958, Pabazi, LAT Sex: M Function: Assistiant Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1984 and 1988 (USSR Team); 1992 and 1994 (Latvian team); as an administrative personnell in

2006; as a assistiant coach in 2010

Zintis EKMANIS

Born: October 24, 1965, Ventspils, LAT Sex: M Function: Head Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002; as a coach in 2006 and 2010

Sandis PRUSIS

Janis OZOLS

Born: December 4, 1972, Jurmala, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1998, 2002 and 2006

Viesturs PERKONS

Born: August 8, 1974, Ventspils, LAT Sex: M Function: Technical personnell OWG: No previous presence

Born: February 7, 1964, Saldus, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1988 (USSR Team)

Olafs KLAVINS

BOBSLEIGH Officials


Event: Women’s Singles Born: August 6, 1995, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 67 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Active recreation, travelling, cooking

Event: Women’s Singles Born: August 21, 1990, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 170 cm, 72 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Swimming, cycling

First Coach: Aivars KALNINS Coach: Peteris CIMANIS OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 11th, 2011/12 – 14th, 2010/11 – 23rd WCH: 2013 – 10th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 24th ECH: 2013 – 7th, 4th (Team competitions), 2012 – 14th, 6th (Team Competition).

Event: Men’s Singles Born: September 26, 1978, Riga, LAT H/F: 184 cm, 91 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Music, DJ

First Coach: Vera ZOZULA Coach: Mihails ARHIPOVS OWG: 2010 – 11th, 2006 – 3rd, 2002 – didn’t finish, 1998 – 14th Wcup: 2012/13 – 14th, 2011/12 – 31st, 2010/11 – 29th WCH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 19th, 2011 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 12th

Event: Men’s Singles Born: May 5, 1991, Cesis, LAT H/F: 192 cm, 92 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Active recreation

Martins RUBENISUlla ZIRNE

Kristaps MAURINSEliza TIRUMA

First Coach: Ingrida AMANTOVA Coach: Kaspars DUMPIS OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 40th, 2010/11 – 39 WCH: 2013 – 10th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 24th ECH: 2013 – 7th, 4th (Team competitions), 2012 – 14th, 6th (Team Competition).

First Coach: Eva HOFMANE Coach: Kaspars DUMPIS OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 29th, 2011/12 – 29th, 2010/11 – 43rd WCH: 2013 – 26th, 2012 – 29th WJCH: 2011 – 12nd ECH: 2013 – 19th, 2012 – 20th

LUGELUGE


Peteris KALNINS Event: Doubles Born: December 15, 1988, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 80 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Rest

First Coach: Aivars KALNINS (father) Coach: Aivars KALNINS (father) OWG: 2010 – 12th Wcup: 2012/13 – 16th, 2011/12 – 22nd, 2010/11 – 15th WCH: 2013 – 10th, 2012 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 16th

Event: Doubles Born: July 4, 1988, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 71 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Rest

First Coach: Janis OZOLINS Coach: Peteris CIMANIS OWG: 2010 – 12th Wcup: 2012/13 – 16th, 2011/12 – 22nd, 2010/11 – 15th WCH: 2013 – 10th, 2012 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 16th

Oskars GUDRAMOVICS

Event: Doubles Born: May 12, 1985, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 180 cm, 90 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Fishing

Andris SICS

First Coach: Eva HOFMANE Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2010 – 2nd, 2006 – 7th Wcup: 2012/13 – 6th, 2011/12 – 16th, 2010/11 – 7th WCH: 2013 – 6th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 9th, 7th (Team competitions), 2011 – 3rd ECH: 2012 – 7th, 6th (Team competitions).

Juris SICS

Event: Doubles Born: April 26, 1983, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 82 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Autosport

First Coach: Janis SICS Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2010 – 2nd, 2006 – 7th Wcup: 2012/13 – 6th, 2011/12 – 16th, 2010/11 – 7th WCH: 2013 – 6th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 9th, 7th (Team competitions), 2011 – 3rd ECH: 2012 – 7th, 6th (Team competitions).

LUGELUGE


Born: October 3, 1958, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Functions: President of NF OWG: As a coach in 1992, 1994, 1998,

2002, 2006 and 2010

Born: March 29, 1958, Talsi, LAT Sex: M Functions: Head Coach OWG: As a coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010

Born: March 24, 1957, Tukums, LAT Sex: M Function: Assistant Coach OWG: As a technical personnell in 2006, as a assistant coach 2010

Born: December 23, 1982, Ogre, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: 2006 – 17th (as an athlete)

Sandris BERZINS

Born: July 15, 1976, Cesis, LAT Sex: M Function: Technical personnell OWG: As an athlete in 1998 – 25th (singles)

and 2002 – 10th (doubles); As a technical personnell in 2006

and 2010

Event: Men’s Singles Born: July 4, 1986, Riga, LAT H/F: 183 cm, 91 kg Sex: M

First Coach: Indra STIGLICA Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2010 – 18th Wcup: 2012/13 – 15th, 2011/12 – 18th, 2010/11 – 23th WCH: 2013 – 9th, 2012 – 16th, 2011 – 21th ECH: 2013 – 7th

Inars KIVLENIEKS

Function: NOC Vice President Latvian Olympic Committee

FIL Vice President Born: April 30, 1960, Sigulda, LAT OG: Leader of the luge and bobsleigh

team – 1992, 1994 OWG 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

Kaspars DUMPIS

Atis STRENGA

Janis LIEPA

Peteris CIMANIS

Einars FOGELIS

LUGE OfficialsLUGEAthlete and Officials


Event: Men’s Skeleton Born: July 2, 1981, Riga, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 86 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hockey, football, movies, auto

First Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) OWG: 2010 – 4th; 2002 – 21st WCH: 2013 – 8th; 2012 – 5th; 2011 – 9th ECH: 2013 – 3rd; 2012 – 2nd; 2011 – 4th WCUP: 2012/13 – 2nd; 2011/12 – 3rd; 2010/11 – 8th

Event: Men’s Skeleton Born: March 31, 1984, Riga, LAT H/F: 178 cm, 75 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hockey, auto, horses

First Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) OWG: 2010 – 2nd; 2006 – 7th WCH: 2013 – 2nd; 2012 – 1st; 2011 – 1st ECH: 2013 – 1st; 2012 – 1st; 2011 – 1st WCUP: 2012/13 – 1st; 2011/12 – 1st; 2010/11 – 1st

Event: Women’s Skeleton Born: July 20, 1993, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 163 cm, 59 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Beach volley

First Coach: Mareks MEZENCEVS 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

Dainis DUKURS

Born: January 24, 1957, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Function: Head Coach OWG: As a head coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010

Martins DUKURS

Mareks MEZENCEVS Born: October 2, 1980, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Mihails ARHIPOVS Born: November 10, 1984, Dresden, GER Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 2006 – 11th (4 Men Bob) and 2010 – 21st (4 Men Bob)

Lelde PRIEDULENA

Tomass DUKURS

SKELETONOfficials and AthleteSKELETON


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

Haralds SILOVS

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

SPEED SKATINGAthlete and Officials


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)

SHORT TRACK


Event: Women’s Giant Slalom; Women’s Slalom Born: September 17, 1990, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 169 cm, 64 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Fixed-cycling, longboard

Event: Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Slalom Born: February 15, 1992, Riga, LAT H/F: 184 cm, 90 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Golf, roller-skating

First Coach: Jana ZVEJNIECE Coach: Peter PRODINGER OWG: 2010 – 37th (S), 62nd (GS) WCH: 2013 – 38th (GS), didn’t finish (S); 2011 – 36th (S), 54th (GS) WJCH: 2013 – 8th (combination), 14th (S), 33rd (GS), 47th (SG); 2012 – 35th (SG), 39th (GS), don’t finish (S); 2011 – 36th (S), 54th (GS)

Event: Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Slalom Born: June 18, 1994, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 176 cm, 80 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Football

First Coach: Stanislavs SOKOLENKO Coach: Dinars DORSS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – didn’t finish (S)

Martins ONSKULIS

First Coach: Gunta GASUNA Coach: Einars LANSMANIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 49th (S), 51st (GS); 2011 – 36th (S), 58th (GS)

Event: Men’s Downhill; (Men’s Slalom; Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Super-G)

Born: May 29, 1987, Riga, LAT H/F: 183 cm, 89 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Autosport

First Coach: Andis KORDE Coach: Andrejs RODE OWG: 2010 – 58th (DH), didn’t finish (SC) WCH: 2011 – didn’t finish (DH, SC); 2009 – 42th and 70th (GS), didn’t finish (S)

Lelde GASUNA Kristaps ZVEJNIEKS

Roberts RODE

Event: Women’s Super-G; 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 Coach: Jorn Tore LINBERG OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 74th (GS) EYOWF: 2013 – 39th (S), didn’t finish GS YOWG: 2012 – 16th (S), 22nd (SC), 27th (GS)

Agnese ABOLTINA

ALPINE SKIING ALPINE SKIING


ALPINE SKIING Officials

Born: August 5, 1983, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2006 and 2010

Dinars DORSS

Born: August 2, 1963, Polesska, RUS Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2010

Stanislavs SOKOLENKO

Born: May 12, 1971, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2010

Jana ZVEJNIECE

Born: June 4, 1973, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Technical personnell OWG: No previous presence

Dzintars MELVERS

Born: June 13, 1965, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2010

Vairis BRIZE


Event: Men’s Ind. Sprint Free, (Men’s 15km Classic; Men’s 15km Free) Born: March 18, 1990, Madona, LAT H/F: 187 cm, 77 kg Sex: M 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)

Event: Men’s Ind. Sprint Free, Men’s 15km Classic Born: September 28, 1983, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 180 cm, 80 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Rest in the nature

First Coach: Janis ANCS Coach: Maris CAKARS OWG: 2010 – 54th (30km), 62nd (sprint), 72nd (15km) WCH: 2009 – 69th (sprint)

Janis PAIPALS

Event: Women’s Ind.Sprint Free; Women’s 10km Classic

Born: April 12, 1980, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 171 cm, 60 kg Sex: F 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)

Arvis LIEPINS

Inga DAUSKANE

Jekabs NAKUMS

Born: February 4, 1972, Priekule, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1998 and 2002

Andris GAILITIS

Born: January 19, 1966, Lielvarde, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Gatis BERZINS

Born: September 12, 1983, Smiltene, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIINGCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Officials


Georgijs PUJACS Born: June 11, 1981, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/83kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: November 9, 2001 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM8 142 10 21 31 135

Born: January 1, 1979, Jurmala, LAT H/W: 180cm/90kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: August 13, 1997 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

Arvids REKIS

WC GP G A PTS PIM7 111 8 13 21 171

Born: July 31, 1992, Ogre, LAT H/W: 192cm/86kg Position: Goal-keeper Club: Syracuse Crunch, AHL 1st Game: April 7, 2012 OWG: No previous presence

Kristers GUDLEVSKIS

WC GP MIN SEK GA AVE A PIM SO1 18 423 15 15 2.1264 0 0 0

Ervins MUSTUKOVS

Born: April 7, 1984, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/85kg Position: Goal-keeper Club: Esbjerg, Denmark 1st Game: September 4, 2004 OWG: 2010 – 12th place


Born: March 31, 1980, Riga, LAT H/W: 176cm/85kg Position: Goal-keeper Club: HK SKP Poprad, Slovakia 1st Game: November 11, 2000 OWG: 2002 – 9th place; 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place


Edgars MASALSKIS

Born: August 3, 1972, Sigulda, LAT H/W: 190cm/95kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: August 2, 1996 OWG: 2002 – 9th place; 2006 – 12th place

Sandis OZOLINS

WC GP G A PTS PIM3 35 9 26 35 67

#50 #8

#6

#81

ICE HOCKEY ICE HOCKEY

#1

#31


Born: January 29, 1987, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/76kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: December 17, 2008 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Kristaps SOTNIEKS

WC GP G A PTS PIM4 95 5 13 18 58

Krisjanis REDLIHS Born: January 15, 1981, Riga, LAT H/W: 189cm/93kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: April 10, 2002 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM8 123 9 12 21 56

Born: January 21, 1987, Ogre, LAT H/W: 190cm/92kg Position: Defence Club: Donbass Donetsk, KHL 1st Game: April 25, 2005 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Oskars BARTULIS

WC GP G A PTS PIM3 26 2 3 5 16

Born: July 25, 1988, Leipzig, GER H/W: 188cm/98kg Position: Defence Club: Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL 1st Game: April 15, 2006 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Arturs KULDA


Born: May 17, 1991, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/86kg Position: Defence Club: Bowling Green State Univ., NCAA 1st Game: April 19, 2013 OWG: No previous presence

Ralfs FREIBERGS


Born: September 30, 1990, Riga, LAT H/W: 190cm/85kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: February 9, 2012 OWG: No previous presence

Miks INDRASIS


#9 #32

#29

#70

#11

#37



Born: November 29, 1980, Cesis, LAT H/W: 181cm/85kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: April 9, 2001 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

Martins CIPULIS

WC GP G A PTS PIM9 162 51 46 97 76

Born: June 17, 1989, Riga, LAT H/W: 195cm/98kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: February 10, 2011 OWG: No previous presence

Vitalijs PAVLOVS


Lauris DARZINS Born: January 28, 1985, Riga, LAT H/W: 191cm/91kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: November 7, 2003 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM7 99 36 19 55 76

Born: February 26, 1986, Riga, LAT H/W: 178cm/90kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Moscow, KHL 1st Game: May 11, 2008 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Martins KARSUMS

WC GP G A PTS PIM3 35 13 16 29 62

Mikelis REDLIHS

Born: July 1, 1984, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/83kg Position: Forward Club: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL 1st Game: September 5, 2003 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM7 146 26 42 68 111

Janis SPRUKTS Born: January 31, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 189cm/85kg Position: Forward Club: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL 1st Game: April 12, 2000 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

WC GP G A PTS PIM9 145 27 52 79 36

#47 #15

#24

#5

#79

#10



Born: February 28, 1991, Riga, LAT H/W: 182cm/91kg Position: Forward Club: Zurich ZSC Lions, NLA 1st Game: February 11, 2011 OWG: No previous presence

Ronalds KENINS


Born: May 18, 1988, Riga, LAT H/W: 185cm/93kg Position: Forward Club: Geneve Servette, NLA 1st Game: April 15, 2006 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Kaspars DAUGAVINS

WC GP G A PTS PIM5 44 12 3 15 20

Born: April 8, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 191cm/94kg Position: Forward Club: HK SKP Poprad, Slovakia 1st Game: November 11, 2000 OWG: No previous presence

Juris STALS

WC GP G A PTS PIM6 115 11 21 32 56

Born: May 1, 1990, Riga, LAT H/W: 183cm/87kg Position: Forward Club: Bili Tygri Liberec, Czech Republic 1st Game: April 6, 2012 OWG: No previous presence

Koba JASS


Born: May 27, 1976, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/81kg Position: Forward Club: Krefeld Pinguine, DEL 1st Game: August 13, 1997 OWG: 2006 – 12th place, 2010 – 12th place

Herberts VASILJEVS

WC GP G A PTS PIM9 113 24 44 68 98

Born: December 27, 1983, Riga, LAT H/W: 192cm/97kg Position: Forward Club: Beibarys Atyrau, Kazakhstan 1st Game: September 3, 2004 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

Armands BERZINS

WC GP G A PTS PIM6 133 10 31 41 184

#91 #51

#3

#21

#16

#12



Maris BALDONIEKS

Born: April 7, 1958, Sault Ste. Marie, CAN Sex: M Function: Head Coach OWG: No previous presence

Born: May 24, 1955, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: General Manager OWG: As a coach in 2002 and Administrative personnell in

2006 and 2010

Born: January 21, 1969, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Equipment Manager OWG: No previous presence

Born: November 2, 1977, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Karlis ZIRNIS

Kirovs LIPMANS

Born: November 5, 1940, Liepaja, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: November 20, 1953, Halifax, CAN Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Born: January 14, 1983, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Media Manager OWG: No previous presence

Maris GORBUNOVS

Zemgus GIRGENSONS Born: January 5, 1994, Riga, LAT H/W: 187cm/90kg Position: Forward Club: Buffalo Sabres, NHL 1st Game: May 5, 2013 OWG: No previous presence


Ingus EGLITIS John Theodor NOLAN

Thomas Patrick COOLEN

#28

ICE HOCKEY Player and Officials ICE HOCKEY Officials


Zane KRUZE

Liga CIRULE

Aldis CIRULIS

Janis KAUPE

Born: March 10, 1961, Riga, LAT Sex: F Function: Head doctor OG: As doctor in 2004, 2008

and 2012 OG; 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: May 5, 1957, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Doctor OG: As doctor in 1996, 2000,

2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: March 19, 1960, Riga, LAT Sex: F Function: Doctor OG: As doctor in 1992, 1994,

1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: February 8, 1983, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Doctor OG: No previous presence

Mareks OSOVSKIS

Edvins LESENKOVS

Agris POTASS

Born: April 3, 1977, Saldus, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist OG: 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG;

2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: January 19, 195, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist OG: 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and

2012 OG; 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: October 7, 1983, Ludza, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist OG: No previous presence

Janis KVEPS

Born: October 13, 1940, Madona, LAT Sex: M Function: Doctor, Ice Hockey OG: As doctor in 2002, 2006 and

2010 OWG

MEDICAL PERSONNELL MEDICAL PERSONNELL


Arnis NOVEICUKS

Fjodors MAZURS

Born: November 27, 1956, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey OG: 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Born: October 28, 1988, Riga, LA Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey OG: No previous presence

MEDICAL PERSONNELL


YEAR WINTER GAMES PARTICIPANTSMEDAL

gold silver bronze

1924 I Chamonix 2 - - -

1928 II Saint-Moritz 1 - - -

1936 IV Garmisch 26 - - -

1968 X Grenoble 1 - - -

1976 XII Innsbruck 5 - - -

1980 XIII Lake Placid 5 1 1* 1

1984 XIV Sarajevo 11 - - 1

1988 XV Calgary 10 2 - 3

1992 XVI Albertville 24 - - -

1994 XVII Lillehammer 28 - - -

1998 XVIII Nagano 31 - - -

2002 XIX Salt Lake 48 - - -

2006 XX Torino 58 - - 1

2010 XXI Vancouver 59 - 1 1

2014 XXII Sochi

* Helmuts BALDERIS won the Silver Medals bu them. He represented the USSR Ice Hockey Champion Team “Moscow CSKA“

YEAR SUMMER GAMES PARTICIPANTSMEDAL

gold silver bronze

1912 V Stockholm* 28 - - 1

1924 VIII Paris 37 - - -

1928 IX Amsterdam 14 - - -

1932 X Los Angeles 2 - 1 -1936 XI Berlin 24 - 1 1

1952 XV Helsinki** 3 - - -

1956 XVI Melbourne** 5 1 4 -

1960 XVII Rome** 6 - 4 2

1964 XVIII Tokyo** 15 2 6 2

1968 XIX Mexico** 11 3 - -

1972 XX Munich** 4 - 2 1

1976 XXI Montreal** 9 2 2 2

1980 XXII Moscow** 13 4 7 2

1988 XXIV Seoul** 6 4 1 -

1992 XXV Barcelona 34 - 2 1

1996 XXVI Atlanta 47 - 1 -

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.

LATVIAN ATHLETESIN THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES 1924-2014

LATVIAN ATHLETESIN THE OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES

1912-2012


LATVIAIN BRIEFRepublic of Latvia

The Republic of Latvia was founded in 1918 on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in a territory that has been home to the Latvian language and culture for thousands of years.

Latvia’s territory consists of fertile lowland plains and moderate hills, with most of its territory situated around 100m above sea level. The country has vast forested areas, an extensive network of rivers, thousands of lakes, and hundreds of kilometers of seashore lined with pine forests, dunes, and white sandy beaches. The country’s strategic location between the Nordic countries and Russia has made it an international crossroad for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange since ancient times.

Country code: LVCalling code: +371Internet TLD: .LV (.EU)Time zone: EET (UTC/GME +2)Weights and measures: MetricEU since 2004Natio nal day: November 18.

RigaLatvia’s political, economic and cultural center is its capital city Riga, where more than one third of Latvia’s population lives and works. Riga is listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s most important cultural and architectural sites. Riga has hosted a NATO summit, a world Ice hockey championship in 2006, the Eurovision Song Contest, and many other large-scale international events; in 2014 Riga is the European Capital of Culture. Riga International Airport is one of the fastest growing travel hubs in Europe and provides flights to 81 destinations.

GovernmentLatvia is a democratic, parliamentary republic. Legislative power lies in the hands of a single chamber, the Saeima, which has 100 deputies. Parliamentary elections are held every 4 years. Latvia’s head of state, the President, is elected by the Saeima for a period of 4 years. There isuniversal suffrage for Latvian citizens over the age of 18.

LanguageLatvian is a language of the Balt group which belongs to the Indo-European language family. Its only linguistic relative is Lithuanian, considered to be among the oldest and least changed of all living Indo-European languages. It is estimated that 1,5 million people worldwide use Latvian as their primary language. English and Russian are widely spoken throughout Latvia, while German, French, and the Scandinavian languages are also frequently heard.

Foreign PolicyLatvia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. Cooperation with its neighbors in the Baltic Sea region is a priority for Latvia, and a key goal is development of strategic global ties.

EducationLatvia has traditionally had one of the highest ratios of students per capita in the world. The state guarantees free primary and secondary school education and offers scholarships for higher education. Latvia provides ethnic minority schools, where classes are taught in Belorussian, Estonian, Hebrew, Lithuanian, Polish, Roma, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Religious ConfessionsLatvia is a secular state. The main religious confessions are Evangelic Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Russian Orthodox but there is a strong ecumenical tradition.



EconomyThe main production sectors are IT, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, electronics, mechanical engineering, timber and construction, food processing, textiles, fishery, and agriculture. The Bank of Latvia is a participant of the European System of Central Banks. Since Latvia joined the EU, more than 20 international and national commercial banks have been operating in the country, 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 global shipping needs.

CurrencyAs of January 1, 2014 Latvia becomes the eighteenth Member State of the Euro zone. Previously the official currency was the Lat, consisting of 100 santīms.

NatureWith over 44 percent of its territory covered by forests, a vast network of free-flowing rivers and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of Europe’s best-preserved havens for a wide variety of wildlife. Over 27 thousand species of flora and fauna thrive in natural settings that are still relatively undisturbed by man. Many rare species, such as the black stork and lesser spotted eagle, make their homes in Latvia’s mixed forests, marshes, and meadows.

ClimateLatvia’s weather features a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers, moderate winters, and high levels of humidity and precipitation.Summer: June – August +13°C +19°C, average precipitation 195 mm.Winter: December – February -7°C 0°C average precipitation: 116mm.

Distinguished Individuals ARTIlmārs Blumbergs, (1943), Inta Ruka (1958), Jānis Avotiņš (1981), Andris Eglītis (1981), Kristaps Ģelzis (1962), Katrīna Neiburga (1978) are some of most visible artists on the Latvian contemporary art scene. Internationally renowned Mark Rothko (1903-1970), Gustavs Klucis (1895-1938) were born in Latvia.LITERATUREInga Bele (1972), Nora Ikstena (1969), Kārlis Vērdiņš (1979), Inese Zandere (1958) are just a few contemporary Latvian talents whose works have been translated into English, French, Czech and other languages.MUSICĒriks Ešenvalds (1977), Pēteris Vasks (1946) are internationally recognized composers. Mariss Jansons (1943) and Andris Nelsons (1978) are two of the most celebrated conductors on the global stage.FILMJānis Nords (1983) has recently gained international recognition with his film “Mother, I love you”; film director Laila Pakalniņa (1962) has made a name for herself on the European Film landscape with her unique style.THEATREAlvis Hermanis (1965) is one of the leading theatre directorsin Europe; Vladislavs Nastavševs (1978), ValtersSīlis (1985) are two of the most promising young Latviandirectors.SPORTSMāris Štrombergs (1987), double Olympic championand the first ever winner of Olympic BMX, is currentlythe most popular athlete in Latvia.



WriterNora Ikstena

ArtistKristaps Ģelzis


LATVIA ISPROUD OF...Nations have long understood that their greatest treasure is their people. Latvia is an exceptional example of how great people and great ideas can be born anywhere, and can make a small country very proud. This is just a brief look at the people, the ideas and achievements which bring Latvia’s name into the world, and which make Latvia proud.

CULTUREMEZZO-SOPRANO ELĪNA GARANČA (1976) Endowed with a magnificent mezzo-soprano voice, Elīna Garanča has swiftly become one of the world’s brightest stars in classical music. She has collected several prestigious awards, such as from Echo Klassik and MIDEM, and performed at the world’s best operas in New York, Vienna, London and Paris. She is currently a soloist at the Wiener Staatsoper.

CONDUCTOR ANDRIS NELSONS (1978) Andris Nelsons began his career as a trumpeter in the Latvian National Opera Orchestra, swiftly moving on to conducting the orchestra for several years. In 2008 Nelsons became musical director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and was named the musical director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the summer or 2013. He has received numerous raving reviews for his guest conductor appearances at the world’s best opera houses.

COMPOSER ĒRIKS EŠENVALDS (1977) Ēriks Ešenvals is one of the most popular and beloved Latvian composers of the new generation. His piano, clarinet, and choral music has been performed in Germany, Austria, the United States, and elsewhere, and has been recorded by several international choirs on albums showcasing new Latvian music. He is currently resident composer at Cambridge University.

COMPOSER PĒTERIS VASKS (1946)Pēteris Vasks is the most internationally renowned composer from Latvia. Vasks has regularly received commissions from world-famous musicians, including the Kronos Quartet. Many of his hauntingly beautiful works have been used by international choreographers in original ballet productions. Vasks is the only Latvian composer who has a contract with the renowned music publisher Schott Musik International.

CONDUCTOR MĀRIS SIRMAIS (1969)Māris Sirmais is one of Latvia’s most celebrated conductors. In 1990, as a student, he founded one of the best youth choir’s in Latvia – Kamēr…, and conducted it for 22 years, winning 60 national and international competitions. Sirmais is also the artistic director and chief conductor of the State Choir Latvija, which regularly participates in performances with prominent orchestras, musicians, and conductors.

PIANIST VESTARDS ŠIMKUS (1984)Šimkus started playing the piano at age 5, and went on to be educated at world-class academies, such as the Queen Sofia School of Music and the University of Southern California. Šimkus has performed and participated in music performances and festivals all over the world, earning the New Names of the Planet scholarship, the Estonian White Star medal, as well as the Latvian Grand Music Award. He has released five solo albums and won first place in several international piano competitions.

ACCORDIONIST KSENIJA SIDOROVA (1988)Ksenija Sidorova has become famous worldwide as an accordionist who has injected accordion music with both quality and modernity, raised its status, and enhanced its popularity within the classic music genre. A number of famous composers have created works just for Ksenija. Ksenija has two solo albums to her name and multiple international prizes to her name.

Mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča

Conductor Andris Nelsons

Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova

Pianist Vestards Šimkus

LATVIA ISPROUD OF...


DIRECTOR ALVIS HERMANIS (1965)Internationally renowned Latvian theater director Alvis Hermanis has been the director of Riga’s New Theater since 1997 and has more than 55 performances to his name, staged throughout Europe. Hermanis takes a documentary approach to theatre - the dramatic material is created together with the actors, based on attentive observations of real life situations and human behaviour.

POP/ROCK BAND PRĀTA VĒTRAPRĀTA VĒTRA was established by four ambitious school mates and is undoubtedly the most popular band in Latvia. The band received international recognition in 2000 in the Eurovision Song Contest; in 2006 PRĀTA VĒTRA won the first ever BestBaltic Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Recently the band has toured all over Europe, played at the Glastonbury festival, and performed as far away as Singapore.

INDIE ELECTRO-POP DUO INSTRUMENTIThe hottest new band from Latvia is the indie electropop duo Instrumenti, which consists of two classically trained musicians from Rīga – Jānis Šipkēvičs, who has one of the most impressive falsettos on the current music scene, and Reinis Sējāns, a master of harmonies. In 2011, the duo released its debut album, TRU, and their second album Procrastination came out in May 2013. The band has a devoted following in Rīga as well as on the European festival circuit.

THE WONDERS OF LATVIAN ANIMATIONAnimation is one of Latvia’s most attractive exports. The most outstanding Latvian animators are the studios RIJA, AB, and Atom Art, as well as directors Signe Baumane, Nils Skapāns, and

Vladimir Lescov. RIJA has taken part in more than 40 international coproduction projects. One such collaboration, the animated film The Triplets of Belleville, was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Animated Feature in 2003.

ILLUSTRATOR REINIS PĒTERSONS (1981)One of the most prolific Latvian illustrators, Reinis Pētersons, is known for his magnificent visual interpretations of books, particularly for children. He also works in character and set design, poster art, illustration, cartoons, and animation. His first charcoal on paper animation film about the loneliness of a motorcycling circus bear won awards both in Latvian and abroad.

FILM DIRECTOR, SCRIPTWRITER, AND JOURNALIST LAILA PAKALNIŅA (1962)Laila Pakalniņa first received international recognition in 1996, when her documentaries Ferry and Post were included in the Cannes Film Festival and received the FIPRESCI award. In 2003, the film Python was included in the Venice Film Festival – the first time a Latvian film was demonstrated at the event. Whereas Dream Land was nominated for best documentary at the European Film Academy awards. Pakalniņa’s newest feature film Pizzas was awarded special prize by the jury of the 7th International Cinema XXI Rome Film Festival. at the FIL World Luge Championships (Men’s doubles: 2011, Mixed team: 2008, 2009). They also won three medals in the mixed team event at the FIL European Luge Championships with golds in 2008 and 2010, and a bronze in 2006.

Pop/rock band BRAINSTORM

Director Alvis Hermanis

Ilustrator Reinis Pētersons

Filmdirector, scriptwriter, and jpournalistLaila Pakalniņa




SPORTBMX CYCLIST MĀRIS ŠTROMBERGS (1987)At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Māris Štrombergs became the first Olympic champion in BMX cycling. He continued to cement his Olympic glory at the 2012 London Games, scoring a second Gold medal. He continues to add more wins to his growing list of victories, including European and World Championship titles and the US National Cycling League champion title.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL DUO JĀNIS ŠMĒDIŅŠ (1987) AND ALEKSANDRS SAMOILOVS (1985)The Latvian beach volleyball duo Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Jānis Šmēdiņš started playing together in the summer of 2012, after Šmēdiņš and his former partner Mārtiņš Pļaviņš returned from the London Olympic Games with Bronze medals. The duo were ranked #1 in 2013, according to the Beach Volleyball World Rankings.

Skeleton racer Martins Dukurs - Silver medalist in Vancouver 2010

Beach volleyball duo Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Jānis Šmēdiņš - World Top 1st 2013


BMX cyclist Māris Štrombergs - Olympic champion in Beijing 2008 and London 2012

Luge racers Juris un Andris Šici - Silver medalists in Vancouver 2010

BOBSLEIGH PILOT OSKARS MELBĀRDIS (1988)Oskars Melbārdis (1988) has competed since 2006. He started his career as a brakeman, most notably competing along Jānis Miņins, however starting from 2010-11 season Melbārdis has been competing as a pilot. World Cup standing in 2012/13 season won second place in 2 Man Bob and 4 Man Bob competitions, as well as became the winner in overall.

LUGE RACERS JURIS ŠICS AND ANDRIS ŠICSJuris Šics (1983) and Andris Šics (1985) are brothers and a Latvian lugers who has competed since 1998. Competing in two Winter Olympics, they won a silver medal in the men’s doubles event at Vancouver in 2010. Both brothers won three bronze medals at the FIL World Luge Championships (Men’s doubles: 2011, Mixed team: 2008, 2009). They also won three medals in the mixed 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.


“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 OlympiansKristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing)

Elīza Tiruma (Luge)Ulla Zirne (Luge)

UNIFORMS


Latvian OlympiansKristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing)Ulla Zirne (Luge)

UNIFORMS


Latvian OlympiansKristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing)Eliza Tituma (Luge)Ulla Zirne (Luge)

UNIFORMS


Latvian Olympic CommitteeAddress: 49 Elizabetes street Riga, LV - 1010, Latvia

Phone: +371 67282461Fax: +371 67282123E-mail: [email protected] www.olimpiade.lv

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