WASHINGTON, October 29 (RIA Novosti) – With classic red stripes next to white stars on a field of navy blue, USA Luge on Tuesday unveiled a bold new design for the sleds, uniforms and helmets its Olympic athletes will be using at the 2014 Winter Games, scheduled to begin in Sochi in 100 days.
Four possible designs – The Racer, Flagship, Silver Wave and Stargate – were put before luge fans for an online vote earlier this year, while members of the National Luge Team, all Olympic hopefuls, promoted their favorites.
Nearly 15,000 votes were cast.
"Although all four designs were inspiring, Racer garnered the most votes, and we’re happy that the nation selected this design for us,” said 2010 Olympian and World Cup medalist Julia Clukey in a press release.
“The excitement for team selection and Olympic competition is building. We cannot wait to head to Sochi in style,” she added.
The Racer has American flag features on the right shoulder and side, an effort to give spectators their best view of the patriotic suit and matching helmets, inspired by comic hero, X-O Manowar.
"A modern, sharp-looking uniform is more than mere aesthetics, as it helps to boost the confidence of the athletes," said Gordy Sheer, director of Marketing and Sponsorships for USA Luge.
“USA Luge is thrilled with the new look of our team for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games,” he added.
The Olympic luge team will be officially named on Dec. 14 in Park City, Utah.
