Just a few days after competing in the Olympic Winter Games, held in Italy, American luge athlete Sean Hollander joined Scholastic Kid Reporter Xander Dorsey to talk about his experience, the books that inspired his professional journey, and his advice for younger athletes.
Sean, who is originally from Lake Placid, New York, grew up near one of the premier sliding facilities in the country. He started young and worked hard to become one of the top doubles competitors in America. Now a two-time Olympian, he first competed at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. Then, in 2023, he and partner Zack DiGregorio made history by winning the first doubles World Cup race for the United States in almost twenty years. At this year's Olympics, they finished 8th in doubles.
Sean stressed how important experience is in luge. He keeps detailed corner notes and watches training videos to improve his runs. He also talked about racing at the Olympic level for the first time.
"Well, the first time you go from the top of a luge track, it's usually a very scary and fun experience," he said. Muscle memory and practice help him hit the right lines even when nerves are high.
