Canadian John Fennell tries the US team out for size

Lake Placid (RWH) The Canadian John Fennell is now trying out his luck with luge in the USA. The athlete, who placed seventh at the 2012 Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck-Igl, is training with the Americans and keen to qualify for the US team at the Viessmann Luge World Cup during the selection process in autumn.

Fennell (21), who was born in Denver in the US state of Colorado, took part in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi (RUS) as part of the Canadian team, finishing in 27th place. At the 2013 World Championships in Whistler, Canada, the 1.90-metre-tall athlete finished in 24th. In winter 2015/2016, Fennell finished 38th in the overall standings of the Viessmann Luge World Cup.

To be entitled to represent the US association (USLA) at the Viessmann Luge World Cup, the International Luge Regulations (IRO) state that Fennell must not have started for any other country within the same sporting year.