USA Luge Luminary Passes Away at the Age of 68 Leaving a Legacy of Speed and Resilience on Ice

The world of luge has been an ideal spot where icy tracks mirror the thrill of speed. The USA Luge coach, Dmitry Feld, carved not just a path of excellence but also etched his name as a legend. The stalwart left for his heavenly abode on Wednesday, January 10. 

The journey of the 68-year-old reflects the extraordinary life of a man who dedicated his heart and soul to the sport. Apart from being a professional endeavor, Feld’s journey has been a saga of commitment, resilience, and community spirit that transcended the icy tracks.

The illustrious career of Feld

A devoted coach and an executive of the USA Luge community, Feld dedicated nearly four decades to the sport. Failing to battle with the complications from leukemia, he took his last breath in a hospital in Burlington, Vermont. With this, his illustrious life came to a halt, leaving the luge community with an irreparable loss.

In 1984, he began his journey with USA Luge and, fulfilling the organization’s request, moved to Lake Placid, New York, from Ukraine. Feld started as a Soviet slider and gradually became an integral part of USA Luge. Within the organization, he upheld various roles that solidified his reputation.

On his demise, Gordy Sheer, the USA Luge director of marketing, shared a sentimental note claiming, “If people were one-third as good as Dmitry, the world would have no problems.”

Besides being a coach, Feld has brilliantly executed marketing manager and community leader responsibilities. Even though leukemia had taken charge of his body, Feld’s battle against the terminal disease was a testament to his resilience and determination. He refused to surrender in dire circumstances and showcased his unwavering commitment to USA Luge and the sport. 

Community engagement beyond the luge track

Feld’s influence and guidance reverberated with the athletes he coached along with others of the USA Luge community. Jim Leahy, the CEO of the sports organization, expressed his disbelief in the statement, “We are all shocked. … May this wonderful man rest in peace.” Feld will be remembered for his contribution to the luge track and his offering to the community. Even though it has been decades since he has been away from his homeland, he took the initiative to raise funds and send supplies to war-torn Ukraine.

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He had close ties with the Shipman Youth Center as the president of the board of directors, committing himself to social causes. Additionally, Feld was the pillar behind organizing a three-day event in Lake Placid, the annual I Love BBQ And Music Festival. Through this initiative, he raised funds and channeled them for various children-focused causes.

Hence, the demise of Dmitry Feld marks the end of an era for the USA League and the Lake Placid community. His dedication to community service and welcoming approach to sport and life catalyzed positive change. Feld’s contribution will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, who will choose to follow his footsteps and usher in a positive change in society through sport.

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