VANCOUVER, Canada — With the Olympics underway, fans throughout the Baltics will be tuning in their television sets to watch the fortunes of their athletes, particularly in Latvia, who not only has the biggest team but also the most realistic chance of collecting a medal.
ESTONIA
When one considers the flat terrain of Estonia and the proximity of the country to Scandinavia, it is no surprise that the majority of Estonia’s 30 athletes are competing in cross-country and biathlon events. [private_paid subscription] A number of these athletes have become a force in the sport, none more so than Kristina Šmigun-Vähi and Andrus Veerpalu. Veerpalu will be seeking his third gold in the 15km event whilst Šmigun-Vähi will be looking for her second gold in the women’s 15km. With a number of their other cross-country skiers moving up through the ranks, do not be surprised to hear Estonia’s anthem more than once at the cross-country podium.
The rest of the Estonian team mainly consists of figure skaters, another sport that is quickly developing in Estonia, helped in no small part by Tallinn earlier this year hosting the World Championships. Expect the Estonians to be competitive here, without necessarily scaring the more tradition figure skating nations.
LATVIA
Latvia by far has the biggest representation, in no small due to the inclusion of their ice hockey team, which makes nearly half of the 61 athletes the Baltic state is sending. There is no questioning that the hockey team will receive the most support and attention in Vancouver but it would take a miracle worthy off a Disney film to see these guys finish in the top three.
Their more realistic hopes lie with Martins Dukurs and Tomass Dukers in the skeleton, who finished first and fourth respectfully in this winter’s World Cup. With Martins showing some of his career best form, it would be something of an upset for him not to medal here.
Janis Minins piloting Latvia 1 in both the two-man and four-man bobsled events is also likely to receive much attention, given the fact that he currently holds the track record in Vancouver. However, his form of late has been far from vintage, so hopefully he will be able to find some of that form again in the coming two weeks.
Latvia also has a large luge contingent with eight athletes competing in the singles and doubles events. They would have been happy with their recent medal form at the European Championships in Sigulda, albeit with the absence of a number of the top sledders, so although some top-ten finishes can be expected, a push for the podium is a little less realistic.
Nine athletes will also be participating across the various distances and races in biathlon, but again top-ten finishes are the best Latvia can probably expect.
Latvia will also have three athletes getting off the flat land to compete in disciplines in alpine skiing, one competing in snowboarding events, one in short-track skating and a further two in cross-country skiing but few of these athletes are expected to make an impact on their events.
LITHUANIA
Lithuania has the smallest participation of the three Baltic states with just six athletes, four of whom will be competing in cross-country skiing, along with Vitalij Rumiancev competing in men’s giant slalom and men’s slalom and Diana Rasimovičiūtė competing in women’s biathlon. Going on their results to date this season, do not expect Lithuania to break any medal tally records.
Keep up to date with the Olympics on Baltic Reports, as we’ll be report daily on who to keep an eye out for.
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