AIRDRIE, Alberta — “The first time I tried luge I was in love! I love the uniqueness of the sport, I love the speed (it’s the fastest sport on ice), I love the focus that’s required, I love constantly striving for personal bests and I love the competition,” Theo Downey says.

Theo Downey started skiing at age four and luge at age nine, he skied for a local club until age 14 when he turned his focus solely to luge for the winter season. He also enjoys swimming and has completed the Bronze Star, Cross and Medallion programs and hopes to complete his Life Guarding course this Spring. Recreationally he enjoys indoor rock climbing and would love to try out for the school track and field team.

Luge is not simply lie on your sled and let it take you down the track. The luge athlete must be fully focused and in complete control – control of their sled, their body, and their emotions always. Split second decisions are made to use hands, feet, and shoulders to execute corners and straight aways to increase or maintain speed. “Not being fully focused and in control while sliding could be disastrous.”

Theo is a 16-year-old grade 10 student who attends George MacDougall High School (French Immersion Program) and is a member of the Luge Canada NextGen (Junior National) team.

His goal is to represent Team Canada at the Olympics; however, he is extremely excited with the path to get there. He just had his first experience with international competition in Winterberg, Germany. At the Junior World Championship, he placed third in Men’s Singles.

One of Theo’s biggest challenges is since the track closed in Calgary at the end of the 2019 season, he travels for not only competitions but also for training to Whistler, BC. Theo misses a lot of school (approximately 14 weeks this season). On his limited downtime he does schoolwork when he would much rather be doing other things. He is fortunate to have great supportive teachers.

Last year days before the Canadian Championships competition, Theo purchased a new strap for his visor. He had not tried the strap before race day, as a result, as he was about to pull the handles, the clip fell. By the time he got the clip and visor back in place he barely made it out of the handles in the allotted time. It was his worst time for all his runs of the entire season, causing him to lose the race. He will always check all gear (especially anything new) well before race days now.

The best advice he has ever received was, “Always give 100%. Its not always about the win, its about learning and constantly improving. Excellence is a habit.”

Theo has a pre-slide ritual, when preparing for each run, he does quick stretches and then he visualizes an ideal run in his head. Once he is on the sled and about to pull the handles. He hypes himself up and lets out a big breath as he brings his visor down. Teammates will also yell to you, encouraging you to pull faster, “this helps way more than you think and he appreciates it.”

Outside of luge, he plays piano and is currently working towards grade 7 piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also enjoys gaming online or hanging out with his friends and girlfriend. He also enjoys vacations and camping with his parents.

Being away from home for training and competitions has taught Theo independence but having support, encouragement and developed friendships from all on the team, he never feels alone.

A current coach said to Theo recently, “I don’t know if you realize just how good you can become,” this game him such a boost of confidence and motivation to keep striving to get stronger and faster.

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