USA Bobsled Team Finishes 11th in Milan, Latter-day Saint Athlete Competes
The USA four-man bobsled team, including Latter-day Saint athlete Caleb Furnell, concluded their competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with an 11th-place finish. The team navigated the challenging “house of speed” at the Cortina Sliding Center, reaching speeds of up to 85 mph.
From Sprinter to Olympian: Caleb Furnell’s Journey
Caleb Furnell, a graduate of Utah Valley University, transitioned from a successful track and field career to the world of bobsled. Initially believing his athletic journey might be over, Furnell was encouraged by a friend to strive out for a bobsled combine. His speed and athleticism quickly became apparent, leading to his selection for the USA National Push Championships in September 2025 and a spot on the World Cup team. The 2026 Milan Cortina Games marked his Olympic debut.
Race Recap: A Close Competition
After finishing ninth following the first two heats on Saturday, February 21st, the team aimed to climb the ranks during the final two heats on Sunday, February 22nd. In the third heat, they recorded a time of 55.22 seconds, just shy of the leader. A slippery spot at the start gate caused some skidding, a challenge faced by multiple teams. The team’s combined time after three heats was 2 minutes, 44.83 seconds.
The fourth heat saw the team improve their start time, achieving the second-best of the round with a time of 55.11 seconds. However, their overall combined time of 3 minutes, 39.94 seconds placed them 11th 2.37 seconds behind the gold medalists.
Germany Dominates the Podium
The German team, piloted by Johannes Lochner, secured the gold medal with a total time of 3 minutes, 37.57 seconds. Lochner too won the two-man bobsled competition. Thorsten Margis, a member of the winning German team, now boasts five Olympic gold medals in bobsled. Germany also claimed the silver medal with a second team piloted by Francesco Friedrich (3 minutes, 38.14 seconds), even as Switzerland took bronze with a time of 3 minutes, 38.64 seconds.
Another US Sled Finishes Just Behind
The second USA sled, piloted by Frankie del Duca, finished 12th overall with a combined time of 3 minutes, 40.06 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bobsled? Bobsled is a winter sport in which teams of two or four athletes make timed runs down a narrow, twisting, banked, iced track in a gravity-powered sled.
How rapid do bobsleds go? Bobsleds can reach speeds of up to 85 mph (137 kilometers per hour).
Where were the 2026 Winter Olympics held? The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Who is Caleb Furnell? Caleb Furnell is a Latter-day Saint athlete from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and a graduate of Utah Valley University who competed in the four-man bobsled event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Pro Tip: The start is crucial in bobsled. A strong, coordinated push from the athletes is essential for building momentum and achieving a fast time.
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