Coaches from the United States’ Olympic teams are serious about helping athletes from different backgrounds discover winter sports. And the return of the USA Bobsled Digital Combine makes it easier than ever for athletes to start down a new track - in this case, an icy one.
USA Bobsled and Skeleton (USABS), who first partnered with GMTM for talent identification during the pandemic, has announced the return of their digital combine that helped a handful of former college athletes find a spot on Team USA. The follow-up event is called “Season 3”, and will offer motivated athletes a chance to try out virtually for USA’s bobsled and skeleton teams from anywhere in the country.
The Season 3: USA Bobsled and Skeleton Digital Combine is free for all participants and features eight unique activities athletes can submit to. The activities include different tasks that help bobsled and skeleton coaches get to know each athlete's story and evaluate their athleticism. The tasks range from uploading an introductory video to recording metrics like a 40-yard sprint and a vertical jump.
The deadline to complete the digital combine submission is December 31, 2022.
Following the submission deadline, athletes who have submitted to Season 3 will be considered for an invitation to the USABS Rookie Camp in January 2023. This in-person camp will be the next step toward becoming a part of Team USA.
What activities are included in Season 3: USA Bobsled and Skeleton Digital Combine?
There are eight activities included in this virtual event. Each activity helps coaches from USA Bobsled and Skeleton evaluate an athlete's athleticism, mental strength, and interest in becoming an Olympic athlete. The activities include:
This is an athlete’s opportunity to tell Team USA coaches about themselves and their athletic journey, as well as their desire to pursue a career in Bobsled or Skeleton. This activity includes a video and photo submission, along with a few additional questions.
Share your physical attributes with USABS coaches. This activity includes a short questionnaire about an athlete’s physical metrics.
This activity allows USABS coaches to evaluate an athlete’s acceleration mechanics transitioning into the upright sprinting position. This activity includes a video submission and additional questions about recorded metrics.
This activity allows USABS coaches to evaluate an athlete’s horizontal and vertical power of the legs. This activity includes a video submission and additional questions about recorded metrics.
This activity is an opportunity to showcase your athletic accomplishments, past or present for the USABS coaches. This activity includes a video submission.
This activity helps USBAS coaches evaluate an athlete’s immediate acceleration mechanics. This activity includes a video submission.
This activity helps USABS coaches evaluate an athlete's vertical power of the legs with a look at balance and coordination. This activity includes a video submission.
This activity is an additional opportunity for athletes to show why they want to pursue a career in Bobsled and Skeleton. This activity includes a video submission and a few additional questions about an athlete’s motivation and ability to handle adversity.
Why should hopeful Olympic athletes submit to Season 3: USA Bobsled and Skeleton Digital Combine?
Athletes who participate in USA Bobsled and Skeleton virtual events on GMTM are connecting with more coaches that can help them find international opportunities. Staff and former Olympic athletes are on GMTM to engage with motivated athletes and make the process of talent identification more accessible.
READ MORE: Bobsled Athlete Found On GMTM Is Selected For USA National Team
Also, by participating in this Winter Olympic sports event, coaches from other national teams, colleges, and club teams will see some of the talent and motivation you have to keep competing.
Participating athletes should be sure to share their video submissions with their networks and participate in other virtual events on GMTM, so more coaches and trainers will be able to find them and connect.
How do I invite an athlete to participate in Season 3: USA Bobsled and Skeleton Digital Combine?
To invite an athlete to participate, you can tag them in the “Add Teammates” field in the Interview activity - or - copy and paste the event link and share it via text or on social media.
How can athletes stay involved with USA Bobsled and Skeleton?
Athletes can stay involved with USABS by reaching out to coaches via GMTM - or - by participating in other virtual events hosted by USA Bobsled and Skeleton.
