Contact Tony
tony.benshoof@gmail.com

..........Tony Benshoof is the number one rated USA Luge athlete in Men's singles with over 18 years of experience, 25 international medals to date and a world ranking of 3rd . At 31 years old, Tony is a well seasoned veteran by no means out of his prime.   Luge is largely an experience-based sport. The best athletes have explosive strength, calm nerves, years of experience, determined coaches and great equipment.   "I feel I have everything I need to win", Says Tony.  "I have a great sled, a great support staff and I feel stronger than ever.  After so many years of hard work and determination, it's great to be a medal contender in every race!"

.........After a bitter-sweet finish of 4th in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Benshoof is ready to make a final run at the Olympic podium in 2010. "The race in Torino was the race of a lifetime and I can honestly say I slid my best during that race...but my result will be a huge motivator during my final run for the podium in Vancouver!"

          Luge is the only sliding sport that is timed down to the 1/1000th of a second. That may seem unnecessary but Luge demands that level precision. "I have won and lost many races by a thousandth of a second. In fact, it's not unusual to see athletes tie!"

       Tony holds the current record for the 'Fastest Luge Speed' in the Guinness Book of World Records in a sport that regularly exceeds 90 MPH.   "It is an opportunity that I never thought would be presented to me.  But when I had the chance to go for it prior to the 2002 Olympics, I knew I had a great chance to put an American in the book."    But Tony doesn't view it as a major career accomplishment.  "I put many races far above that record.   Taking the Challenge cup wins last year and setting the track record in Altenberg, Germany are my current career highlights.  For me, those victories mean much more to me because of the intense pressure involved." 

........As the 2010 Olympics draw near, Tony is looking to Vancouver, Canada with gold in his eyes.   There is a lot of work however, between now and the Olympics.   "The past summer's training was very productive for me. I feel stronger than ever and I think my start times will show that " says Tony .   "Being in the top 5 off the start is important because that is the only time you can physically accelerate the sled.   After the start, all your efforts are focused on not loosing speed by relaxing, driving the right lines, keeping  aerodynamic position, etc." 

........Keep up to date on Tony's race results on the International Luge Federation's site and get live race streaming during major competitions! Also, the USA Luge web site has past race results, athlete biographies and more!