MILAN, Italy – Latvian bobsleigh pilot Jēkabs Kalenda and his team finished tenth in the four-man event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo on Sunday. The Latvian quartet, representing Ventspils Olympic Unit, completed the competition with a total time that placed them just outside the top contenders in a thrilling final day of bobsleigh action. This result follows Kalenda and teammate Matīss Miknis’ eighth-place finish in the two-man event earlier in the Games.
The Latvian team, comprised of Kalenda, Matīss Miknis, Lauris Kaufmanis, and Mairis Kļava, navigated the challenging Cortina bobsleigh track, improving their position from eleventh after the first two runs on Saturday. Their consistent performance throughout the four heats demonstrated resilience and skill, ultimately securing a respectable tenth-place finish. The competition was dominated by Germany, showcasing their continued prowess in the sport.
German Dominance Continues with Lohners’ Second Gold
Johannes Lohners of Germany secured the gold medal in the four-man bobsleigh, adding to his impressive Olympic haul. This victory marks Lohners’ second gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Games, having previously triumphed in the two-man event. Lohners announced prior to the Games that these would be his final competitive races, capping off a distinguished career with a remarkable Olympic performance. His team completed the four runs in a total time of 3 minutes and 37.57 seconds, according to official results. Delfi.lv reports.
The silver medal went to Francesco Friedrich’s German team, finishing just 0.57 seconds behind Lohners. Switzerland’s Michael Vogt secured the bronze medal with a time 1.07 seconds slower than the gold medalists. A dramatic final run saw Vogt’s team narrowly edge out Germany’s Adam Ammūrs by a mere 0.04 seconds, preventing a German sweep of the podium. Sportacentrs.com details the intense competition for the bronze.
Latvian Team’s Performance Breakdown
Kalenda’s four-man team finished 2.15 seconds behind the winning German team. Their performance across the four heats was relatively consistent, achieving a tenth-place time in the first run, dropping to seventeenth in the second, then rebounding to tenth in the third, and finishing with a ninth-place time in the final run. LSM.lv provided updates throughout the competition.
Kalenda previously partnered with Matīss Miknis in the two-man event, securing an eighth-place finish. The pilot attributed potential improvements in performance to adjustments made in the preparation of the sled runners, indicating a focus on refining this aspect of their technique for future competitions. He noted that continued work in this area will be crucial for the upcoming season.
The Latvian team’s performance at the Milan-Cortina Games demonstrates the growing strength of bobsleigh in the country. Whereas a medal eluded them this time, their consistent runs and tenth-place finish in the four-man event represent a positive step forward.
Looking ahead, the Latvian bobsleigh team will undoubtedly analyze their performance at the Olympics, focusing on areas for improvement and continuing to refine their sled preparation techniques. The dedication to optimizing sled runner performance, as highlighted by Kalenda, will likely be a key focus in their training regimen for the next season. The team’s continued commitment to the sport promises exciting developments for Latvian bobsleigh in the years to arrive.
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