Romanian luge athlete Andrei Deac with coaching experience in New Zealand
Naseby, New Zealand (FIL/22.08.2024) In a journey that spanned nearly half the globe, 20-year-old Romanian luge athlete Andrei Deac embarked on an extraordinary adventure, traveling 17,250 kilometers from Bucharest to Dunedin in New Zealand's South Island. This May, Andrei boarded a plane for the very first time, undertaking one of the longest possible journeys to reach the only ice luge track in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Naseby’s Maniototo Adventure Park.
After a grueling 40-hour trip, Andrei arrived in Naseby, where he spent the next 10 weeks immersed in the world of luge, skating, and curling. During this time, he not only helped operate the ice facilities but also played a pivotal role in running the 'summer luge' , a dry luge track that offers year-round training opportunities.
Andrei's time in New Zealand was more than just a training stint; it was a transformative experience. As a natural track luge athlete with a background in artificial track racing, Andrei took on the role of coach, working closely with young New Zealand luge athletes. According to Jack Leslie, President of NZ Luge, Andrei's impact was profound. "Andrei has been an invaluable asset to our program. His dedication to the sport and his willingness to share his knowledge has been incredible. We've seen him grow tremendously, not just as a coach but as an individual."
Andrei quickly adapted, gaining confidence both on and off the track. "When Andrei first arrived, his English was limited, but over the past 10 weeks, he's made significant strides. His growth has been remarkable, and we've really enjoyed having him with us," Leslie added.
"Spending all day immersed in a winter sports environment was an incredible experience, something I couldn't fully do in Europe. The people here, especially Geoff and Debbie, who hosted me and made sure I had everything I needed, were amazing. I met so many locals who became like an 'ice family' to me. Coaching the youth was a valuable experience, teaching me that it's not just about perfection and training—it's about having fun too. I found ways to blend these two concepts, which is so important for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. This was one of the best experiences of my life, reminding me why I started luge 10 years ago with my coach Ilie Rusoiu in Vatra Dornei (ROU) and why I want to continue on this path as a coach. A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible for me", Andrei Deac said.
Andrei's journey also provided him with the opportunity to interact with international athletes. The Naseby luge track hosted three U.S. natural track athletes during Andrei's stay. Torrey Cookman, who has been studying in Australia, trained at Naseby for four weeks, while Katie Cookman and Henry Anderson joined for one week.
As Andrei prepares to return to Romania, his experience in New Zealand stands as a testament to the unifying power of sport and the possibilities that arise when athletes from different corners of the world come together. His time in Naseby has not only enriched the local luge community but has also left a lasting impression on Andrei himself.
About NZ Luge:
New Zealand Luge is dedicated to promoting the sport of luge in New Zealand, providing athletes with world-class training facilities and opportunities to compete on the global stage. Based in Naseby, the organization operates the only ice luge track in the Southern Hemisphere, offering year-round training and coaching to athletes from around the world.
