Olympian Makena Hodgson elected Athlete Director on Luge Canada’s Board

Calgary (FIL/Luge Canada, 13 July 2023) Makena Hodgson, one of Canada's most respected Olympic luger athletes, will now serve in a key position on the Board of Directors of Luge Canada. To help shape a successful future and bring the athlete's voice to the organization's leadership group, Makena Hodgson was elected to the Board alongside Olympians Alex Gough, Kim McRae and Chris Wightman at Luge Canada's Annual General Meeting in Whistler.

“I’m really excited to join the Luge Canada Board. I think it’s really important to have former athletes on the Board to provide additional perspective into what athletes need, while also having ideas regarding the more formal role required by a Board member,” said Hodgson.

Mekena Hodgson has always shown herself to be compassionate, selfless, respectful, and willing to overcome obstacles while exuding a passion for sports, fairness, and the pursuit of excellence. She strives to bring credibility to her sport in Canada by working with the leadership group, which includes high-profile Olympians Alex Gough and Kim McRea.

Gough has served as president of Luge Canada since 2021. That same year, fellow Olympian McRae assumed a dual role as vice president of sport and director of athletics. McRae will continue to lead the Athletes Committee while focusing on her duties as vice president of sport.

“I really excited to work with Alex and Kim to help bridge the gap between the athletes and the Board members while also building on what Kim had already done in this position as Athlete Director,” added Hodgson. “I hope that my experience both in and outside of luge can help me serve a significant and important position in the development of the sport and the organization.”

Hodgson, who has tremendous ambition and an incredible work ethic, competed in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Since retiring after those games, Makena Hodgson has enrolled at Mount Royal University to help young athletes take their first steps in the sport.

“Makena is a highly motivated professional who knows what the current generation of athletes need to enjoy the pursuit of their performance goals,” said Alex Gough. “Makena’s addition to our Board strengthens the alumni who are committed to giving back to the program that will help us ensure the sport continues to grow and continue to deliver results at all levels well into the future.”

Chris Wightman (Ontario), another 1988 Olympian, returns to the board for another two-year term, as does former luger Kevin Lundy (Ontario). Ron Stitt (Alberta) was elected to another two-year term as Treasurer. Dustin Miller (Alberta), a former speed skating coach who now works at the Olympic Oval, was also elected to a first term as a director with expanded responsibilities.

They are joined by Shannon Susko (British Columbia) as secretary and three other interim directors, Peter Major (Alberta), Brian Onushko (British Columbia) and Max Dawson (Alberta).

The Canadian Luge Federation is a non-profit organization that regulates the sport of luge throughout the country. With financial support from the Government of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Own the Podium, the Federation recruits and develops the country's current and future elite athletes with the goal of consistently placing on the international podium. For more information on the Canadian Luge Federation, please visit www.luge.ca.

photos: 1st Luge Canada, 2nd and 3rd FIL/Mareks Galinovskis