Team USA's Chris Mazdzer set for fourth Olympic Games
Team USA’s Chris Mazdzer - who in 2018 won the USA’s first Olympic silver medal in men’s single luge - is now set to compete in his fourth Olympic Games.
“Since becoming the first non-European to win an Olympic medal in men’s single luge at the last Games [in Pyeongchang], I’m now doing my best to put this sport - that has been my life - in the spotlight once again at the Beijing Games,” said 33-year-old Mazdzer.
"Pinnacle of sledding”
Mazdzer’s obsession with luge - known as the ‘fastest sport on ice’ - started in Lake Placid, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, and less than an hour’s drive from his home town of Saranac.
As an active 8-year-old he regularly visited the Olympic Sports Complex with friends, quickly realising the most fun was to be had on the ‘fast and furious’ luge track. “I’ve always loved speed and this felt like the pinnacle of sledding!
“The fast turnaround of luge also immediately appealed to me as a child. “Within seconds you’re sliding down the track with incredible acceleration - and in ten minutes you can do it all over again!” explained Mazdzer.
When luge becomes your life
Mazdzer was 11 years old when he was recruited by the USA Luge Junior Development Team.By the age of 13 he had moved to Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, as training intensified, and was soon competing on the World Cup circuit.
He has not stopped competing since! He has been living and breathing competitive luge for the last two decades, and has done everything in his power to put the spotlight on luge - as Chair of the Athlete’s Commission at the International Luge Federation (FIL), the International Olympic Committee’s first sustainability ambassador and even as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars!
A broken ankle during a training run in Sochi last November, while preparing for the World Cup season and qualification for these Games, has not stopped him.
“2021 was my twentieth year on the road,” said Mazdzer, who was just 21 when he made his Olympic début at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. “It’s been an incredible journey with Team USA, through nine World Championships and now I’m about to compete at my fourth Olympic Games!”
Luge family
Mazdzer was set to make history in Beijing by becoming the first athlete to compete across the men’s singles, doubles and team relay.
But sadly, Mazdzer and his doubles teammate Jayson Terdiman - who was aiming to make what would have been his third and final U.S. Olympic team in doubles luge - failed to qualify after a crash during the key World Cup race in Sigulda, Latvia on 7 January.
In true ‘luge family’ tradition, Terdiman immediately gave his sled to Zack DiGregorio and Sean Hollander, who are now heading to their first Olympic Games. Not only that - Terdiman has been working with Team USA coach Robert Fegg to ensure this brand new Olympic doubles team are all set for Beijing.
True luge love
Mazdzer met the love of his life Mara in Salt Lake City and together they welcomed son Nicolai into the world in April 2021. “I have given my entire life to this sport and now it’s amazing to have Baby Mazdzer - our new fan of sliding - at home cheering us all on in Beijing!” said Mazdzer.
We know that Mazdzer’s furry family will also be watching - @Mazdzer on Instagram - and we’re sure that the cast and fans of Dancing With The Stars will be too!
Chris Mazdzer: Believe in something greater than yourself | From the Start
