Latvian Luge Team Secures Bronze in St. Moritz World Cup
The Latvian women’s doubles luge team of Anda Upīte and Madara Pavlova clinched a bronze medal at the World Cup event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This marks their best result of the season. Whereas the women’s team celebrated success, the Latvian men’s teams finished closer to the bottom half of the top ten.
Women’s Doubles: A Close Race
The Italian duo of Andrea Vetere and Marion Oberhofere took gold in the women’s doubles competition. Upīte and Pavlova finished just 0.605 seconds behind the Italian champions. Germany’s Elisa-Maria Storcha and Paulina Paca secured silver, only 0.100 seconds ahead of the Latvian pair. Another Latvian team, Marta Robežniece and Kitija Bogdanova, finished in seventh place, 1.895 seconds off the pace.
Men’s Doubles: Austrians Dominate
In the men’s doubles event, Austrians Thomas Steu and Wolfgang Kindl claimed victory. Mārtiņš Bots and Roberts Plūme achieved an eighth-place finish, 1.038 seconds behind the Austrian winners. Eduards Ševics-Mikeļševics and Lūkas Krasts finished immediately behind their teammates. Notably, the Olympic champions from Italy, Emanuel Rieder and Simon Kaincvaldner, placed sixth.
Latvian Performance and Season Outlook
Bots and Plūme were the third fastest in the second run, but a slower first run prevented them from climbing higher in the rankings. They have dropped to fifth place in the overall World Cup standings. The Latvian team will continue competing, with Kendija Aparjode and Zane Kaluma representing Latvia in the women’s singles event later on Saturday. Elīna Ieva Bota did not participate due to academic commitments.
Looking Ahead: Altenberg and the Season Finale
The competition in St. Moritz continues on Sunday with the men’s singles and team relay events. Following this, the luge World Cup season will conclude the following weekend in Altenberg, Germany.
The Rise of Latvian Luge: A Developing Program
Latvia has been steadily gaining recognition in the world of luge, a sport traditionally dominated by nations like Germany, Austria, and Italy. The recent success of Upīte/Pavlova and the consistent performance of other Latvian teams highlight the growing strength of the program. Madara Pavlova, born in 2008, has already achieved a podium finish in mixed doubles in December 2025 and a bronze medal in the team relay at the 2026 European Championships.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, Latvian luge faces challenges common to smaller sporting nations: limited funding, fewer training facilities, and a smaller pool of potential athletes. However, the dedication of athletes like Upīte and Pavlova, combined with strategic investment in coaching and infrastructure, could lead to even greater success in the future.
FAQ
Q: Where did the World Cup event take place?
A: St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Q: Who won the gold medal in the women’s doubles event?
A: Andrea Vetere and Marion Oberhofere of Italy.
Q: What is the next World Cup event?
A: The next event will be held in Altenberg, Germany.
Q: Why wasn’t Elīna Ieva Bota competing in St. Moritz?
A: She was unable to attend due to academic commitments.
Did you recognize? Madara Pavlova is only 17 years old and is already making a significant impact on the international luge scene.
Pro Tip: Following the World Cup standings can provide valuable insights into the performance of different nations and athletes throughout the season.
Stay updated with the latest luge news and results by visiting the International Luge Federation website.
What are your thoughts on the Latvian team’s performance? Share your comments below!
