The Winter Olympic Games are being held in Beijing, China from February 4 to February 20, 2021. But, even though the world's best athletes in each Olympic sport are competing on the biggest stage, talent identification doesn't stop for any team. And now you don't even need to leave home to be seen
A ton of Team USA programs are hosting free open tryouts for their sports. These Virtual Events are the easiest way to experience some of the sports you've only seen on TV and the easiest way for hopeful Olympians to interact with national team coaches.
Athletes can participate in these live tryouts from home, their local gym, ice rink, or football field. Just click participate on any activity inside of an event, then record and upload your best submission. After that, your videos and information will be databased and seen by Team USA coaches.
Talent transfer - or recruiting athletes who don't play the sport - is an important part of the talent identification process for Olympic teams. So, if you are unfamiliar about any of the sports below, don't hesitate to check it out.
Note: Athlete submissions will only be considered if the athlete is a citizen of the country hosting the event.
Winter Olympic Sports You Can Tryout For On GMTM
Over half of the United States doesn't see snow or frigid temperatures durning the winter, but USA's Winter Olympians come from everywhere. No matter the weather or the sport you play, your talents and mentality could be perfect for an Olympic sport you've never tried.
Below are a few of the national teams hosting a Virtual Tryout or Talent Identification event right now:
USA Biathlon
Biathlon is one of the most interesting winter sports you'll find, based around nordic (or cross-country) skiing. A biathlon race involves super strong athletes "skate-skiing" over long courses that weave through the landscape. But, there's a catch. Five times throughout the race, athletes have to stop at a checkpoint, remove their thin skis and fire a rifle at a small target 50 meters away, before strapping up and racing off to the horizon again.
US Biathlon has two Virtual Events for athletes with different experience below:
- For current collegiate Nordic Athletes - US Biathlon Nordic Athletes
- For endurance athletes new to the sport - Endurance Athlete Showcase
What makes the sport so interesting is also the part that gives it the steep learning. That is, of course, because biathlon involves two very different and particular skill sets - endurance racing on skis and expert rifle shooting.
- Who should try out for Biathlon?
Motivated athletes who have excellent endurance are willing to practice their aim with an air rifle, the sport can be exhilarating. Cross-country runners or athletes who can push their limits can pick up competitive Nordic Skiing in no time - you may just need to find some roller skis if you can't find some snow!
As for the rifle shooting, good eyesight and the ability to control your breathing is key. Combining that with a knack for ski racing is a great way to start in the sport.
USA Bobsled
Bobsleigh (or Bobsled as it's called stateside) is probably the sport that has benefitted most from talent transfer athletes. Strength, agility, and fearlessness are synonymous with bobsleigh athletes.
For the average American who dreams of being an Olympic bobsledder, the chance to actually push, drive, or ride in a sled at Lake Placid or Park City is a rare thing. With only four bobsled tracks in North America, training for the real thing is rare. So, Team USA coaches are used to identifying talented athletes who have potential despite limited experience on the ice.
How to try out for USA Bobsled?
USABS has a virtual event for all athletes hoping to be seen you can find below:
This sport replicates moves that you can find in most sports - like pushing and sprinting. The thing is, there is no room for mistakes when you are moving and maneuvering a 1,300-pound sled down an icy course. So, athletes who want to get involved involved with bobsled better have nerves of steel.
What kind of athletes make great bobsledders?
Athletes with a lot of speed, who love cross-training and weightlifting can make the quickest transition to bobsleigh. The ability to push a heavy sled and maintain balance and explosiveness running on ice what every prospect has to master.
Former college football players, track sprinters, and other former athletes make up most of USA Bobsled's roster. If you are looking for a new avenue to use your speed and strength, this could be the perfect sport for you.
USA Curling
Made (momentarily) very popular in the last Winter Games thanks to the eccentric gold medal-winning U.S. team, curling is is a sport most of the country forgets about outside of Olympic years. But, curling clubs can be found all over the United States throughout the year, regardless of the climate.
Right now, USA Curling is offering younger athletes who would like to get into the sport a chance to be seen by the national team coaches. Whether you are are just getting hooked on it at your local rink or it has been your passion for years, Team USA is excited to introduce the sport to more young athletes with a live virtual event.
How to try out for USA Curling?
USA Curling is searching for motivated junior athletes interested in the sport below:
Curling is one of the few ice sports that don't require skating, so it is something athletes can try without much of a learning curves. It is a game of complex strategy and execution, so hopeful athletes should watch the sport on television and do a deep dive on the many different parts of the sport.
