Russian Olympic luger offers American rival his sled in gesture of kindness

(Image credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

published 15 February 2018

An act of kindness helped Chris Mazdzer take silver at the Winter Olympics. The American luger fell into a rut before the Games and slid down the world rankings. But while training in Latvia a few weeks ago, a Russian luger offered Mazdzer his sled — something lugers never do — saying it might give him a boost. That display of "friendship was really moving," Mazdzer told Reuters. "It shows we care about each other and there is this human connection which crosses countries and cultures and sport is an amazing way to accomplish it." The sled proved too small, but the gesture kicked Mazdzer out of his slump. He improved his times, and this week became the first American man to win a luge medal at the Olympics. Christina Colizza

I’m still processing what happened last night. It honestly doesn’t even feel real yet! All I know is that I have an amazing group of people in my life that stick with me even when times are tough and sharing this high with them is one of the best ways I can say thank you back. It honestly has taken a village... actually make that a few villages to put me into the position where when I was on the handles for that fourth run everything just felt right. I wasn’t nervous, I was just ready and I think you can see a little smile through my game face because for some reason I knew I could do it even before I began that run. It’s been a hell of a ride and all I can do is say thank you to all the people who supported me and helped me develop as a person along the way. To my amazing teammates who always push me to be my very best. To my coaches who always believed in me and would stop at nothing to get me on that podium. To my incredible family who has been my emotional rock and has the unfortunate task of always having to deal with me. To my friends around the world who support my crazy ways! All I can say is thank you and we finally did it!!!! #teamusa #itsforamerica #pyeongchang2018 #silver #feelslikeawin #olympic #medalist #first #american #menssingles #medal #believe #achieve #inspire #icamesecondA post shared by Chris Mazdzer (@mazdzer) on Feb 11, 2018 at 3:58pm PST