Mārtiņš Rubenis

2.1. Olympic Games

Rubenis competed in five Winter Olympic Games, achieving notable results throughout his career. His Olympic journey began at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, where he finished 14th in the men's singles. At the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, his competition ended in disappointment as he did not finish the race due to a crash.

His most significant Olympic achievement came at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, where he won the bronze medal in the men's singles event. This medal was historically significant as it marked the first time the Republic of Latvia had earned a medal at the Winter Olympics, distinguishing him as a trailblazer for his nation in winter sports.

He continued his Olympic participation at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where he placed 11th. In his final Olympic appearance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Rubenis finished 10th in the men's singles event. Just days later, he won his second Olympic bronze medal as a crucial member of the Latvian mixed team relay squad.

2.2. World and European Championships

Throughout his career, Rubenis achieved considerable success at both the World and European Luge Championships, consistently earning medals in various disciplines.

At the World Championships, he secured multiple podium finishes. In 2003, competing in Sigulda, he earned two silver medals: one in the men's singles event and another in the mixed team competition. The following year, at the 2004 World Championships in Nagano, he added a bronze medal to his collection in the men's singles event.

His success extended to the European Championships, particularly in the mixed team relay. He won a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the 2006 European Championships in Winterberg. He then went on to win two consecutive gold medals in the mixed team event, first at the 2008 European Championships in Cesana and again at the 2010 European Championships in Sigulda. In his final European Championship appearance in 2014, also held in Sigulda, he secured a silver medal in the mixed team relay.

2.3. World Cup and Other Competitions

Mārtiņš Rubenis participated extensively in the Luge World Cup series and other international competitions, demonstrating consistent performance across his career. His overall World Cup rankings varied, with his best performance being a 6th place finish in the 2006-2007 season. He also competed in the Challenge Cup, where he achieved his highest overall ranking of 6th place in the 2006-2007 season.

The following table summarizes his notable results in various competitions:

3.1. Coaching and Sports Administration

Immediately following his retirement, Rubenis was appointed as a coach for the Latvian national luge team. In this capacity, he applies his extensive knowledge of the sport to train and guide new generations of lugers. In addition to coaching, he became a member of the Latvian Olympic Committee, contributing to the broader development and strategic direction of sports in Latvia. He had previously served as an athlete representative to the International Luge Federation, demonstrating his commitment to the sport at an international administrative level.

3.2. Sled Design and Technical Contributions

As a mechanical engineer, Rubenis actively uses his technical skills to contribute to the Latvian luge team beyond coaching. He is involved in designing sleds for the team, a role he is uniquely qualified for, having personally designed and refined his own sleds during his competitive years. His technical expertise helps to optimize equipment, providing a competitive edge for Latvian athletes.

4.1. National Recognition

For his outstanding representation of Latvia and his historic achievements, Rubenis was honored with two of Latvia's highest national awards:

• In 2011, he was awarded The Three-Star Order, a prestigious state order recognizing meritorious service to Latvia.
• In 2014, he received The Cross of Recognition, another significant Latvian state decoration.

4.2. Sports Awards and Commemorations

His impact on Latvian sports has been celebrated through various specific accolades and commemorations. In 2006, the year of his historic Olympic bronze medal, he was named the Latvian Men's Sportspersonality of the Year. In recognition of his and the team's bronze medal in the mixed team relay at the 2014 Winter Olympics, the Latvian Post issued a commemorative stamp featuring Rubenis and his relay teammates, immortalizing their achievement in Latvian history.

5.1. Music Activities

Rubenis is also known as a musician and a DJ. He is a member of the DJs group Värka Kru, actively engaging in the music scene. His involvement in music has even been highlighted in a documentary film, Loengrins no Varka Kru (Lohengrin From Varka Kru), released in 2009, which sheds light on his life and activities as a DJ.

6.1. Contribution to Latvian Sports

Rubenis's most profound contribution to Latvian sports is his historic bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. This was the first Winter Olympic medal ever won by the Republic of Latvia, marking a pivotal moment for the nation in international winter sports. This achievement not only brought significant pride to Latvia but also served to inspire a new generation of winter athletes and raise the profile of luge and other winter sports within the country. His continued involvement in coaching and sled design further solidifies his lasting impact on the development and competitive success of Latvian luge. His career embodies the spirit of dedication and innovation, establishing a strong legacy for Latvian athletes on the global stage.