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Mark Grimmette
- Three-time U.S.Olympian, earning a silver in 2002, bronze in 1998 with partner Brian Martin
- Three-time overall World Cup champion (1998, 1999, 2003)
- Four-time World Championship bronze medalists (1999, 2000, 2004, 2005)
- Five-time U.S. national champion with Martin (1998-2002, 2005)
- He and partner Martin are the U.S. all-time leaders in international medals won (52 medals: 13 gold, 16 silver, 22 bronze)
- Finished fourth in the 1994 Olympics with partner Jon Edwards
- Finished fourth in the final 2005 overall World Cup rankings
- Won the 2005 World Cup team relay, 2005 World Championship team event silver medalists
- Won the first luge medal in 34 years for USA at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games, as well as the silver medal by teammates Gordy Sheer and Chris Thorpe
- Nickname is 'Papa Mark,' as he is the oldest member of the luge team
- Was one of eight athletes to carry the World Trade Center Flag during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games opening ceremony
- Would attempt the decathlon if he could try another Olympic sport
- Favorite Olympic moment came in the 1992 Games in Barcelona when the father ran out onto the track to help his son - a British sprinter - finish the 400 after he hurt his hamstring
- Started luging at 14 years of age when a luge track was built in Muskegon. He volunteered to help in building the track and was given the opportunity to try the track when it was done
- Track building project was his first job, but he also spent time as a Christmas tree trimmer
- Favorite activities away from luge include hiking and woodworking
In February 2006, Grimmette and Martin will attempt something that no other U.S. Winter Olympic male athlete has done before – win three consecutive medals in three consecutive Olympic Winter Games. Figure skater Beatrix Loughran (1924, 1928 and 1932) and speedskater Bonnie Blair (1988, 1992 and 1994) are the only U.S. athletes to accomplish the feat.
Related Links
Feature: Doubles team slides on Torino track
Feature: Sliders Martin, Grimmette Pay Own Way To No. 1
Photo gallery: Olympic sliders Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin
Official Web site: Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin
Video: On being self-conscious of the snug-fitting luge uniform
"I just plain love sliding down an iced track, hitting curves at five G's six inches off the ice."
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Height: 6'1
Born: 23-Jan-1971
Hometown: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sport: Luge
Event: Luge (front driver)
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