Lillehammer (pps) Bengt Walden is the new coach of Norway’s national luge team as the Norwegian Federation confirmed on inquiry. The 38-year old Walden, who announced the end of his active career in spring, will thus succeed Grant Albrecht of Canada. As from now on Albrecht will be taking care of the young Canadian luge talents.

Bengt Walden, a native of Sweden, previously competed for the US luge team and finished in sixth position at the 2009 FIL Luge World Championships in Lake Placid. At the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, Walden earned a 15th place. At the Olympic Games in 1994, 1998 and 2002, he represented the colours of Sweden. After his wedding (in 2007) to Ashely Hayden, 8th at the 2002 Olympic Games and 4th at the 2005 Worlds, Bengt Walden competed for the US luge team.