ORSON COLBY WINS NATIONAL LUGE CHAMPIONSHIP

By Morgan

At just 11 years old, Orson Colby needed to earn his physical fitness merit badge in order to earn his Eagle Scout award. In doing so, he discovered his natural talent and passion for the luge.

“From the moment I went down the sled I decided I wanted to do it, and I’ve been racing ever since,” Colby said.

Now 17 years old, he has competed in more than 20 races, medaled in every single one, and won a national championship in March 2023.

“This most recent race was my favorite one so far because I won, and that was a huge accomplishment,” Colby said. “What made it extra memorable for me is that it was on a track that I’m not all the way familiar with, so winning was extra cool.”

This race held extra significance as it plays a large role in deciding which athletes will be chosen to compete in the upcoming 2024 Youth Olympic Games.

“Specifically, for this coming season, the results of this race played a big part in who’s getting chosen for the 2024 Youth Olympic Games and, compared to my other teammates, it’s not a very familiar track for me,” Colby said. “I’ve been injured on that track in the past and couldn’t continue training while recov-

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One of Colby’s goals is to qualify for the 2024 Youth Olympic Games and, eventually, the 2030 Olympic Games.

“I’m trying to qualify for the 2024 Youth Olympic Games right now,” he said. “My preparation for that consists of focusing on weight training to help me be at my best and, once the season comes, I’ll continue practicing on the track.”

Colby is currently on the right track to make those goals of Olympic qualification a possibility.

“I’m currently ranked No. 1 in the Youth A Men Team USA,” Colby said. “This past season is considered the pre-qualifying season for the 2024 Youth Olympics, and this coming season is considered the qualifying season. During this last season they chose three youth A men and 3 youth A women to go to PyeongChang, South Korea, and if you got to go to that, your chances to qualify for the 2024 Youth Olympic Games are really high. I went to that, so I like my chances.”

Colby’s races have taken him all over the United States and to different countries around the world.

“This year I got to go to Austria, Canada, and all over the United States,” he said. “In the past I’ve been able to go to Germany and South Korea, too.”

Colby has a great support system as his parents are supportive of his passion for luge and enjoy watching him race.

“I love to see the joy he gets when he races,” said Orson’s mother, Kelly Colby. “He never complains about going to his races. His attitude is always good about going to practice and it just makes him happy, which makes me happy.”

Since travel opportunities have become available to Orson in the past year, his parents