USABS Team Camp 2024

USA BOBSLED/SKELETON RETURNS TO CHARLOTTE FOR ANNUAL TEAM CAMP

Charlotte, N.C. (June 8, 2024) - USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) held its annual Team Camp at UNC Charlotte (UNCC) for the second consecutive year.

UNCC houses the United States Performance Center (USPC), a facility that supports American athletes, US National Team members, and various National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), covering sports like Taekwondo, Field Hockey, and of course, Bobsled and Skeleton. The USPC has established a cutting-edge high-performance training and residency program aimed at enhancing athletes' physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. They are dedicated to forging impactful partnerships with NGBs, focusing on implementing full-time residency and high-performance training programs to enhance the competitiveness of each NGB and US National Team globally.

The Team Camp commenced on June 25th with discussions for coaches and staff reflecting on the 2023/2024 season and planning for the upcoming 2024/2025 season. The day concluded with a welcome meeting for athletes, where they received exciting gear from USABS' partners. The 26th included athlete and staff meetings, Skeleton speed suit fittings, a visit from USABS' Premier Technology Partner deBotech, and a workshop by public speaker and storyteller David Hutchens.

On the 27th, the team reunited at the U.S. National Whitewater Center for team-building activities like a high ropes course, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. The following day featured presentations from USABS administrative and USABS Foundation (USABSF) staff, addressing topics such as funding, partnerships, and social media. The day culminated in the Annual Assembly where discussions on improving different aspects of the organization took place.

The final day of the Team Camp, the 29th, began with a lifting session at the USPC before heading to TopGolf for a day of golfing and yard games in collaboration with Athletes for Hope and Dream on 3. In the evening, the team attended Cocktails and Ice, a USABSF fundraiser at the Belk estate, owned by Bill Belk, father of Ike Belk, one of the founders of the US Performance Center. Both men are passionate about the Olympics and sports as a whole, contributing significantly to the establishment and ongoing success of the US Performance Center, a vital resource for USABS athletes. The event was held to raise funds from private donors for USABS and bring more exposure to the sports and the unique stories of the athletes who participate in them.

Besides being home to the USPC, the Charlotte area is also home to several USABS athletes. 

“Being from NC and this area in particular, it’s always nice to bring the team in. I love North Carolina and I know my teammates enjoy their time and experiences here. We have so much to offer here and the partnership with the USPC truly is amazing! Let’s do it even bigger next year!” shared Men’s Bobsled push athlete Manteo Mitchell about Team Camp being held in the area for the second year in a row.

“I recently moved permanently to NC once I heard about the opportunity with USPC. I have loved the past two months I’ve spent here and the opportunities that I’ve been introduced to. I’m so grateful to be able to be here in Charlotte and are really excited for what is to come!” Emily Renna, Women’s Bobsled push athlete, added.

“Being born and raised in the south, it’s good to be back down in the land of great food and amazing people It’s even better to be based here training for our winter sport. The folks at US Performance Center are top notch and I can’t think of a better place to train day in and day out. I’m grateful to be here and to the Charlotte, North Carolina community for adopting a Mississippi Bobsledder,” Elliot Markuson, Men’s Bobsled push athlete, elaborated.

Team Camp is a special and valuable opportunity for athletes, coaches and staff to come together away from the ice track or push track and learn more about how to continue to make USABS great. 

Next up for the Team will be Performance Camps held during July and August. 

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About USA Bobsled/Skeleton

USA Bobsled/Skeleton is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton racing in the United States. Based in Lake Placid, NY, USA Bobsled/Skeleton oversees the development and training of American athletes at all levels of competition.