LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — Former world champion Miro Zayonc is taking over as head coach of USA Luge’s national team.
Zayonc has been involved with USA Luge’s coaching staffs since 1990, most of that time as the junior national coach. He replaces Mark Grimmette, who is still the sports program director for USA Luge. Grimmette also has been the head coach in a dual role since 2010.
Grimmette says USA Luge has “put together an amazing coaching team for the final push to Sochi” and the 2014 Olympics.
Zayonc defected from Czechoslovakia in 1981 and won the 1983 world title while racing for Canada. He eventually became cleared to race for the U.S. and competed in the 1988 Olympics despite having a broken right foot, finishing 11th in doubles with partner Tim Nardiello.
