Aparjods Family: A Family Tradition On Sleds – The Olympic History
Berchtesgaden (FIL/14 Nov 2025) Those unforgettable sporting moments that get under your skin: Lillehammer, 2016 Youth Olympic Winter Games.
Kristers Aparjods races to victory and wins the gold medal! Seconds later, he throws himself into the arms of his mother, Aiva Aparjode, and the tears, laughter and pure joy speak for themselves. A hug that says more than a thousand words. It represents a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice and love for the sport.
What many people didn't know at the time was that Aiva was not only Kristers's biggest supporter, but also his first coach. The former Latvian Olympian literally put her son and daughter on a sledge and showed them that passion and family needn't be mutually exclusive.
Today, almost ten years after that magical moment in Lillehammer, the Aparjods family symbolises Latvian solidarity and sporting strength, and demonstrates that success on the ice often begins at home.
A young mum on the ice track
When 19-year-old Aiva Briede suddenly disappeared from the international scene in 1996, no one suspected that she would soon return as Aiva Aparjode – with two young children in tow.
"I was only 21 and already had Kendija and Kristers," recalls the Latvian. "But I was still young and full of energy, and I really wanted to get back on the sled."
Her comeback was a success. With the support of the kid’s father Dainis, her mother-in-law and her organisational skills, Aiva mastered the dual role of mother and competitive athlete.
“The children were well looked after and often accompanied by their father. When I came home, the most important thing was that I brought gifts and sweets from abroad,” she says with a smile.
Although she missed her family while travelling, 'time usually flew by', Aiva recalls. “The phone bills were impressive back then though – there was no WhatsApp or FaceTime!”
In 2006, Aiva finally stood at the starting line of the Winter Olympics in Turin – as an experienced athlete and a proud mother. Her children were ten and eight years old at the time. By finishing 18th in the women's singles, she made sporting history for Latvia and showed many athletes that combining family life with top-level sport is possible.
“My children never prevented me from achieving my goals. On the contrary, they were my biggest motivation,” she says, looking back.
A few years later, the circle was complete. In 2010, Aiva became a junior coach and had to put together a group of young lugers.
“Of course, I found two candidates at home,” she laughs.
Kendija (13) and Kristers (11) thus stood at the starting line with their mother for the first time in Sigulda, the Latvian luge stronghold.
“At first, they weren't enthusiastic, especially Kendija,' says Aiva. 'But once they understood what luge was really about, there were no more protests about Mum sending them sledding.”
What followed is well known:
Kristers won youth Olympic gold in Lillehammer in 2016, came fifth in the men's singles, and won Olympic bronze with the team in Beijing in 2022.
His sister Kendija finished 11th in the women's singles in the same year, which was the best result of her Olympic career.
“It was tough years, with many tears and great pride. But the road to success was not always easy. "I am very proud of my children because I know how hard they work," says Aiva.
“Some years have been very difficult, with injuries, the pressure to qualify, and a lot of emotions.' I cried a lot, both out of joy and sadness. We've been through so much together. But one thing I know for sure is that my children are my greatest pride and joy, and the best thing that has ever happened to me!”
The Aparjods family is united by the ice track. Today, Aiva is back at the start line regularly, but this time as a spectator, coach, mother and fan.
Kendija’s and Kristers dad Dainis coaches young talent in Saulkrasti, and their children represent Latvia in the World Cup.
This family shows that passion, solidarity and love for the sport can overcome any obstacle.
