Ahead of the fast-approaching 2026 Winter Olympics, USA Luge brought its Slider Search to Malvern to find the next generation of Olympic athletes, reports Siobhan McGirl for NBC10 Philadelphia.
“The Slider Search is how USA Luge invites new kids to come and try the sport of luge,” said Aidan Kelly, of USA Luge. “This is about recruiting for the USA Luge team. We’re looking pretty far in advance, but hopefully to find our future Olympians.”
The White Castle USA Luge Slider Search is currently touring the nation, recruiting young athletes aged nine to 13 years old. The event in Malvern took place over the weekend. The sport features athletes racing on a luge, or sled, feet-first on an ice track at high speeds.
The kids who participated in the clinics were instructed by luge pros, including Summer Britcher, a three-time Olympian from Glen Rock, who was recruited for luge after attending a similar event when she was 11.
“When you’re a little kid, you’re thinking about sports, like, that’s kind of the big dream is to represent your country,” said Britcher.
The athlete, who is now 31, is preparing for next year’s Olympics, and shared some advice with young athletes.
“Just stay in sport because you love it,” she said. “It should be fun.”
Watch the entire segment about the luge sport and searching for the next generation of athletes at NBC10 Philadelphia.
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