Changes
The ABA board met on April 29, 2023 and put together a plan for moving forward. Keep your eyes peeled
Alberta Bobsleigh Was Founded On January 21, 1983. The Association Currently Operates Its Winter Program Out Of Whistler Due To The Closure Of The Calgary Track. Athletes Have Taken Part In International Development And World Cup Races As Well As Local And Provincial Races.
During The Summer Months Alberta Bobsleigh Runs A Summer Training Program Out Of Calgary And Also Hosts An Annual Push Competition.
On Ice Bobsleigh Training Takes Place At The Whistler Sliding Centre From October To February, As Well As Other Tracks, And An Annual Drivers School Is Held In Conjunction With The British Columbia Program For Athletes To Learn To Pilot A Bobsleigh. Dryland Training Is Offered From June To March In Calgary, Spread Between Different Facilities In The City Including Winsport’s Ice House.
The ABA board met on April 29, 2023 and put together a plan for moving forward. Keep your eyes peeled
Even though this season just ended we are preparing for the next season. Want to get involved? DM us or talk to @taylorllaustin @sunnyanddelightful @edenwilson @just_dawn98 or @rizzbobsleigh to find out more about the sport. Have suggestions on what you want next season? Reach out to us by DM or email slide@albertabobsleigh.ca #sport #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #alberta #yyc #yeg #calgary #edmonton #reddeer #lethbridge #medicinehat #olympics #canada
All of us at Alberta Bobsleigh are super proud of Isaak and his commitment to bobsleigh. He joined us around this time last year and has been training hard since. He currently is out working on qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games and just finished 4th in Lake Placid, arguably one of the tougher tracks to drive. Great work Isaak!
Join us this Sunday at 3pm in The Icehouse for our Annual Push Competition. $10/athlete to enter but you may push with as many teams as you like. Depending on participation we will have a variety of competitions including mens, womens, mixed, and with enough athletes 4man, Pro-Am, and Alumni. After, join us for our Annual General Meeting with BBQ at the sled sheds at 6pm. Pulled pork and pork belly burnt ends will be served as well as updates about ABA, election of our boards of directors, and election of Athlete Representatives. Interested in being involved in ABA? Run for one of our open board positions or athlete rep position. See you all Sunday!
The last Learn To Push of our summer season is almost here. Sign up today to join us on ice in Calgary. Our coaches will introduce you to pushing a bobsleigh, and who knows, an Olympian or two may make an appearance. We provide the equipment needed to get on the ice. Unfortunately due to the nature of the sport, participants need to be 14 years old or older. DM us to register or for more information. #yyc #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #fitlife #lifting #sprinting #football #track #trackandfield #powerlifting #rugby #soccer #crossfit #activities #sport #fun #learn #push #pushit #gymlife #powerathlete #power #powerlift #powerathlete
Push training weekly on Sundays (4-6pm) and Wednesdays (7-8.30pm) in Calgary. Come join us! #yyc #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #fitlife #lifting #sprinting #football #track #trackandfield #powerlifting #rugby #soccer #crossfit #activities #sport #fun #learn #push #pushit #gymlife #powerathlete #power #powerlift #powerathlete
Alberta Team Testing is September 10 and 11. DM or email slide@albertabobsleigh.ca to let us know if you will be joining. Starting at 2.30pm on September 10, the 30m Sprint, Stand Long Jump, and Forward Underhand Medball Toss will be tested at the Olympic Oval. Warm-ups can begin at 2pm. Then at 4pm the Olympic Oval weight cage will be used to test 1RM Power Clean and 3RM Front Squat. September 11 at 4pm will see 3 attempts by athletes to push their fastest times. These testing numbers are used to monitor progress, help in athlete selection for teams and races, and are sent on to the National program. If you have any questions please reach out.
Are you 14 years old or older? Are you interested in bobsleigh? Do you want to escape the heat? Come join us for a free introduction to pushing bobsleigh, and get all your questions answered by our Olympian coaches. Maybe you will be sliding for Canada before you know it. The cost is free. Join us either August 21 from 4pm to 5pm or September 6 from 7pm to 8.30pm. Space is limited so register today. #yyc #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #fitlife #lifting #sprinting #football #track #trackandfield #powerlifting #rugby #soccer #crossfit #activities #sport #fun #learn #push #pushit #gymlife #powerathlete #power
Our first Learn To Push of the summer was today. Thanks to everyone who joined us. We still have 2 more. August 21 and September 6. DM to take part! #bobsleigh #bobsled #yyc #Canada #Calgary #Alberta #gym #gymlife #fit #fitlife #push #pushing #pushit #track #trackandfield #training #football #rugby #soccer #crossfit #lifting #olympics #events #yycevents
We are pleased to welcome Kristen Bujnowski to the Alberta Bobsleigh team as our new push coach. Kristen was a member of the 2022 Olympic Team and holds the Canadian women's push record in the Icehouse. Kristen will be coaching our Sunday sessions. We hope you are all as excited about Kristen's addition as we are. #bobsleigh #bobsled #push #yyc #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #olympian #olympics #ibsf #gym #gymlife #winsport #lifting #lift #crossfit #power #powerlift #powerathlete #powerlifting #rugby #football #soccer #trackandfield #track #training
Are you 14 years old or older and interested in learning about bobsleigh? We are hosting 3 Learn To Push sessions for free so you can come out and give it a try. All equipment is provided. DM or email slide@albertabobsleigh.ca to register. #yyc #yeg #Calgary #Edmonton #Alberta #Canada #sport #active #gym #gymlife #lifting #lift #fit #fitlife #crossfit #powerlift #powerathlete #powerlifting #football #rugby #trackandfield #track #training #soccer #curiositycalgary
Join us August 7, 21, or September 6 for a Learn To Push. Registration is open for anyone 14+ who is interested in giving bobsleigh a try. All equipment is provided. Cost is free. #yyc #Calgary #Alberta #Canada #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #fitlife #lifting #sprinting #football #track #trackandfield #powerlifting #crossfit #activities #sport #fun #learn #push
Our Calgary event was today and we had a great time with everyone who showed up. Ready to do it next weekend in Edmonton with 3x Olympian @nwright021 Register by email with Neville or DM/email us to get more information. #yeg #alberta #canada #edmonton #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #strong #power #lifting #sprint #sprinting #throw #track #trackandfield #rugby #football #soccer #crossfit #sport #olympics #olympian
THIS SUNDAY! FREE! Join us on the running track for sprinting, jumping, and throwing. Then come into the cold to do some pushing on ice. Can’t make it? Message us regardless and we can keep you informed on future dates this summer. #alberta #calgary #yyc #yeg #canada #heat #hot #bobsleigh #bobsled #gym #fitness #rugby #football #ice #track #trackandfield #soccer #lifting #powerlifting #crossfit #summer #sun
Sunday July 17 is Stampede Super Sunday and we are having our own super event planned. From 1pm to 2.30pm come to Glenmore Athletic Park Track and see how fast you can sprint, how far you can jump, and how far you can throw. Then from 4pm to 6pm come to the Icehouse at Winsport and learn how to push a bobsleigh on ice. This event is open to all interested athletes. For more information or to register send us a DM or email slide@albertabobsleigh.ca #yyc #Calgary #Alberta #yycevents #calgaryevents #sport #gym #fitlife #fit #bobsleigh #bobsled #canada #gymlife #trackandfield #track #rugby #football #sliding #power #strength
Happy Canada Day to all! Since 1983 our members, past and present, have proudly represented this country on the local, provincial, national, and international stages. Getting to represent the country as a volunteer, official, coach, or athlete is an honour and we look forward to continuing to represent Canada well into the future. So enjoy the day, celebrate, and be safe! #Canada #Canadaday #Alberta #yyc #yeg #Calgary #Edmonton #athlete #sport #gym #fitness #bobsleigh #bobsled #sliding #mapleleaf #amateursport #celebrate
We are proud to partner with 3x Olympian @nwright021 to find Edmonton's Most Powerful Athletes! Neville will be at Rollie Miles Athletic Field Track on July 24, 2022 from 1.30pm to 4pm overseeing the search. Want to join him? Email Neville to register or contact us by DM or email and we can help you sign up. #yeg #edmonton #alberta #sport #sprint #throw #jump #gym #powerathlete #power #strong #lifting #weights #power #fast #athlete #track #trackandfield #football #rugby #running #ab #canada #olympics #olympian #worldcup #lacombe #stalbert #fitfam #fit #drive
Summer is here which means the Icehouse is opening again. Escape the summer heat and join us for our first sessions of the offseason. DM or email slide@albertabobsleigh.ca to let us know you're coming or if you have any questions. 📸: @winsportcanada #yyc #Calgary #sport #bobsleigh #bobsled #summer #summervibes #gym #training #Alberta #winsport #ice #active #fitness #fitnessgoals #sliding
Dan Sunderland is one of a kind so we aren’t likely to see another brakeman quite like him anytime soon. His training methods though unorthodox, make him one of the more powerful among his teammates. It was his grandmother that encouraged him to try bobsleigh saying he would be great at it (quote unverified). In 2015 when he came to Alberta Bobsleigh’s training in the Ice House, we could tell by his raw talent she was right. One thing we didn’t have to teach him was his passion for the sport and willingness to put his body on the line for his team in pursuit of medals for his team. Just like the colour choices in his wardrobe, Dan uses few words but here are a couple more from the man himself. Hometown: Fort McMurray Favourite track? Calgary Go to snack/meal? Whole raw eggs with da shell on. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Shredding brutal guitar riffs and mountain biking. Number 1 bobsleigh memory? Double crash with Nick Poloniato in Lake Placid New York. Is there a bobsledder past or present that inspires you or you look up to? Dennis Martineau Advice for young athletes? Learn to deal with the bulls$@t and just stay the course. If you could compete in another Olympic sport what would it be? Skiing What motivates you? That's a secret. #bobsleigh #bobsled #beijing2022 #alberta #fortmcmurray #olympics #olympian
Dawn has been a rising star on the Canadian team since starting in the 18/19 season after the last Olympics. Working her way from the Development to National team, she is now in Beijing at her first Olympic Games. With involvement in rugby, track and field and ultimate frisbee, it was her high school basketball coach that encouraged her to attend an open bobsleigh recruitment camp in Edmonton. Armed with a positive attitude and infectious smile, this could be just the start for the youngest brakeman on the women’s national team. Here’s a little bit more about Dawn. Hometown: Edmonton but I've spent so much time in Calgary that I consider that home as well. Favourite track? Konigissee Germany but the Beijing track is a close second. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to go sightseeing if I have the time and if that's not an option then I would say finding new podcast to listen to. Number one bobsleigh memory? I don't have a number one memory because they all hold different significance. Why do you love bobsleigh? I love bobsleigh because there is never a dull moment you are always learning daily and meeting so many different people. Is there a bobsledder past or present that inspires you or you look up to? Neville wright (shout out to him) because we are very similar in many ways so it's nice to have someone who's been through similar things. Advice to young athletes? If you want something bad enough put it out there into the universe and start the work to get there. What would you like to do after bobsleigh? I haven't started thinking about life after bobsleigh just because I believe that my career in this sport is just starting. f you could compete in another Olympic sport what would it be? Definitely Short track speed skating. What keeps you motivated? I stay motivated by constantly trying to be better than the person I was the day before. #bobsleigh #bobsled #olympics #beijing2022 #teamcanada🇨🇦 #yyc #yeg #alberta #albertaathlete
Christine’s list of accomplishments in bobsleigh have grown every season. Now a 2 x Olympian, 10 x World Cup medalist, 2 x world Championship medalist, crystal globe winner and only days ago adding an Olympic bronze medal! All of that proof great things come to good people. Christine spent time on the Alberta Bobsleigh Team when she made the move to the front of the sled after starting as a brakeman in 2011. Her talent and work ethic was evident and we are proud to have helped her achieve her goals and watched as she has become a perennial podium threat. Here are some more questions answered to help you get to know Christine better. Hometown: Stoney Plain, Alberta What is your favourite track? As I'm getting older I like the more mellow tracks. So right now I would choose Konigssee. Go to meal/snack? When I'm in Calgary, I love Pho. How did you get into bobsleigh? I was done with track and field and told my coach that I was ready for a "normal" life but he convinced me to try out for bobsleigh. He told me that maybe I would make one Canadian team for track but if I did bobsleigh, I could be great. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Traveling, bicycling, motorbiking, paddle boarding and campfires with friends. What is your number one bobsleigh memory? One that sticks out is getting bronze in Altenberg World Champs when the competition was fierce with 4 German teams and USA. Why do you love bobsleigh? Something about the feeling when you go down the track and nail the corners. Smooth chaos. Nothing else matters at that moment but you and the track. Advice to young athletes? You never know what you can be capable of unless you try. So many people told me to stop and that I wouldn't make it but I listened to my gut and listened to the people I care about the most. What would you like to do after bobsleigh? This one is still unclear but something in sports facilities mgmt or organization triggers my interest. If you could compete in another Olympic sport what would it be? Track and field particularly sprints. What keeps you motivated? I want to see how far I can push myself and how far I can go. #bobsleigh #bobsled #alberta #olympics #medalist
Born in Lethbridge Alberta, Taylor played football for the Calgary Colts before contacting Alberta Bobsleigh in 2011. He was able to start sliding with new drivers right away and was instantly hooked. It didn’t take long for him to move to the front seat and learn to pilot a sled where he had an impact with the Alberta Team and National Development Team. When he’s not racing sleds around the world he’s..well…sliding and sharing the thrill of bobsleigh with tourists at one of his favourite tracks Whistler, as a tourbob driver. He enjoys watching their fear at the top of the track turn to smiles at the bottom. Taylor has been a big part of Alberta Bobsleigh on and off the ice and we couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishment in representing Canada at the Olympics. Read on to find out more about Taylor. Favorite track? Whistler BC, St. Moritz Switzerland Go to meal or snack? Dates or beef jerky. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Spending time in the mountains. Number 1 bobsleigh memory? World Cup debut in St. Moritz. Advice for young athletes? Believe in yourself and push past the fear. What would you like to do after bobsleigh? I’d like to give back to sport. Doesn’t have to be bobsleigh specific, but help the next generation of athletes become their best selves. What keeps you motivated? Always wanting to become a better version of myself. Always learning. #bobsleigh #bobsled #olympics #beijing2022 #lethbridge #alberta #teamcanada #nevergiveup
Most of the time even Justin doesn’t know where he lives, holding Canadian, American and Australian passports. We are happy he chose to slide for the red and white without the blue and has called Calgary home since shortly after starting bobsleigh in 2006 when he was recruited from track and field by another Albertan slider, Matt Hindle. A brakeman behind Pierre Lueders for most of the first 4 years of his career, including at the Vancouver Olympics, Kripps switched focus to learning the sport as a pilot. With signs of what was to come in 2014, he has been a perennial medal threat since. The pinnacle being a tie for the 2man gold medal at the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang. Home town: Summerland BC Favourite track? St. Moritz Go to meal or snack? Neapolitan salami pizza What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Golf, mountain biking. Number 1 bobsleigh memory? Winning gold in 2018 Olympics / 4man gold in st moritz World Cup What do you love about bobsleigh? The mix of athletic power and skill/finesse of driving/racing. Advice to young athletes? Keep pushing, when times are hard that’s when you grow What would you like to do after bobsleigh? Sip margaritas on the beach. If you could compete in another Olympic sport what would it be? Surfing What keeps you motivated? New challenges each year, always chasing better driving, faster speeds. #bobsleigh #bobsled #beijing2022 #olympian #teamcanada #winterolympics #champion #olympics #canada
Ivo deBruin started bobsleigh with his home country of The Netherlands in 2007 before meeting his wife and Canadian slider Christine deBruin. After moving to Calgary Ivo made the switch to competing for his new country and earned medals for Canada while on the Alberta Team as well as Provincial Championship titles. When not sliding Ivo enjoys riding motorcycles and playing board games with his wife and friends and is always there with a hug and a joke. Now back competing for Holland, Ivo and his team have earned their first Olympic birth and we are happy to have played a part in his unorthodox journey. Favorite track? St. Moritz Switzerland Go to meal or snack? Rib steak How did you get into bobsleigh? I was the Dutch junior discus champion and a teammate asked me to join bobsledding. Number 1 bobsleigh memory? getting sixth place at European Championships in Konigssee Germany. What do you love about bobsleigh? I love bobsled for the speed and the camaraderie. Advice for young athletes? Learn everyday. If you could compete in another Olympic sport what would it be? Discus What motivates you? Trying to get the best out of myself and out of my teammates. #bobsleigh #beijing2022 #alberta #netherlands #athlete
There are many fantastic athletes competing in bobsleigh at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games that are from our province or have transplanted here. Christine de Bruin @christinerdebruin (Stoney Plain), Melissa Lotholz @mellotholz (Barrhead), Dawn Richardson Wilson @just_dawn98 (Edmonton), Kristen Bujnowski @kmbujnowski (from Ontario, resides in Calgary), Chris Spring @spring.chris (from Australia, resides in Priddis), Justin Kripps @justinkripps (from BC, resides in Calgary), Taylor Austin @taytay_lloyd (Calgary), Daniel Sunderland @sunnyanddelightful (Fort McMurray) and Ryan Sommer @ryansoms (from BC, resides in Calgary). We want to wish all Canadians competing the best as they chase their Olympic dreams and make them reality. #bobsleigh #bobsled #alberta #beijing2022 #icesports #chaseyourdreams #teamcanada #winterolympian #yyc #yeg
There is a good chance Melissa got her work ethic from growing up on a farm near Barrhead Alberta, but it was her time running track at the U of A where she was introduced to bobsleigh. Following teammate Christine deBruin into the sport in 2014, she made an immediate impact on the National team as a brakeman and hasn’t stopped pushing since. After competing in the 2018 Olympics she brought her strong starts to the front of the sled and took on the challenge of driving. Now that she has qualified for Beijing, she will be the first Canadian woman to compete as both a brakeman and pilot in the Olympics. During the season in her free time she enjoys watercolour painting and going for walks exploring the areas around the venues; something she also likes to do in the off season with family and friends. Read on as we get to know Melissa better. Favourite track? I really don't know.. Altenberg Germany has a lot of special moments for me tho.. first World Cup medal, first World Cup win, track record, first World Championships in the front seat, and so far my best 2man result this season. Number 1 bobsleigh memory? Surprising Christine for her 30th birthday with a cake and singing happy birthday at the finish dock of the Whistler World Champs as she & Kristen Bujnowski won bronze. What do you love about bobsleigh? I love the challenge of bobsleigh; how it continually pushes me to grow and evolve as a person.. and that feeling when a run comes together and your flying - thats fun. Advice to young athletes? Give yourself a chance - try something new.. try again and again. Persistance wins the day. What would you like to do after bobsleigh? I am considering going to school to be a physiotherapist. If you could compete in another Olympic sport what would it be? I think I have the potential to be decent at speed skating or track cycling. What Keeps you motivated? My curiosity and commitment to see how good I can be and to grow as a person. #bobsleigh #bobsled #olympian #winterolympics #bejing2022 #alberta #albertaathlete #teamcanada #sport #ibsfsliding #icesports
Head coach Dennis Marineau has been with Alberta Bobsleigh since it's inception in 1983. First as an athlete, then as one of the most respected bobsleigh coaches on the planet. He competed at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympic games and the 1994 games in Lillehammer in 2man and 4man events. Since then Dennis has helped coach Canadian bobsleigh athletes to produce 4 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze at subsequent Winter Olympic Games. Thank you Dennis for continuing to develop future athletes with Alberta Bobsleigh's programs. #bobsleigh #bobsled #alberta #olympian #coach
We are working on getting our shop cleaned out and set up for the upcoming season. We have a bunch of gym equipment from during COVID that we are looking at selling for a deal to our athletes and members. If you might be interested, please reach out and we can discuss it further. Some items: squat cage, bench, concrete plates, bumper plates.