Lake Placid (pps) The United States Luge Federation (USLA) has held its annual „Athletes of the Year“ elections. For the first time in USLA’s history, two athletes, Tony Benshoof and Chris Mazdzer share the award in men’s singles after a tie vote. Ashley Hayden was elected „Female Athlete of the Year“; the bronze medalists at the World Championships Mark Grimmette/Brian Martin were voted „Team of the Year“ as USLA now announced.

While it was the first award for U.S. national champion Chris Mazdzer, Tony Benshoof received the award already for the fifth time. Ashley Hayden was voted for the third time. For Grimmette/Martin, it was even the ninth time of their election. In juniors, Megan Sweeney and again Chris Mazdzer pocketed the awards.