U. S. bobsled gold medalist
Associated Press
Steven Holcomb was simultaneously ordinary and remarkable.
America’s best bobsled pilot was a self- described computer geek who would rub elbows with Hollywood stars. He was never exactly in the best of shape, yet was a world- class athlete. He attempted suicide years ago, then revealed his story with hopes of helping others. He was a man who nearly went blind, then became an Olympic gold medalist.
His life was the epitome of a bobsled race, filled with twists and turns.
It came to a most unexpected end Saturday in Lake Placid, New York, when he was found dead in his room at the Olympic Training Center — sending shock waves through the U. S. Olympic community, and devastating those who had known Holcomb for the entirety of his two- decade career in sliding.
The three- time Olympian, three- time Olympic medalist and five- time world champion was 37.
“The only reason why the USA is in any conversation in the sport of bobsled is because of Steve Holcomb,” said U. S. bobsled pilot Nick Cunningham, who roomed next to Holcomb in Lake Placid. “He was the face of our team. He was the face of our sport. We all emulated him. Every driver in the world watched him, because he was that good at what he did.’’
No cause of death was immediately announced. However, officials said there were no indications of foul play after the preliminary parts of an ongoing investigation were completed. USA Bobsled and Skeleton said it was believed Holcomb died in his sleep.
Holcomb was a native of Park City, Utah, and his signature moment came at the 2010 Vancouver Games when he piloted his four- man sled to a win that snapped a 62- year gold- medal drought for the U. S. in bobsled’s signature race.