Latvian Olympians Return: Krūzbergs & Kalenda Welcomed in Ventspils

Latvian Olympians will arrive at the airport after 6:00 PM today, where they will be greeted by media, family, and representatives from the Ventspils municipality.

Accompanying the athletes will be their coaches, support staff, media teams, and delegation leadership.

Upon arrival in Riga, bronze medalist in short track, Roberts Krūzbergs, along with Ventspils natives Kārlis Krūzbergs and Jēkabs Kalenda, will embark on a celebratory motorcade to Ventspils’ “Latvija” Concert Hall. The athletes will travel in specially decorated vehicles escorted by State Police.

An official welcome for the athletes will take place around 9:00 PM in Ventspils, at the square near the “Latvija” Concert Hall. Krūzbergs and Kalenda will be honored during a ceremony accompanied by a wind orchestra.

The athletes will also receive monetary awards from the Ventspils City Council for their achievements at the Olympic Games during the welcome ceremony.

Krūzbergs secured Latvia’s second medal of the Games with a bronze in the 1500-meter short track event. He persevered through a knee injury sustained during competition to achieve the best-ever Olympic result for Latvia in short track.

Bobsledder Kalenda, in his Olympic debut, finished eighth in the two-man event and tenth in the four-man competition.

Ventspils City Council deputies have awarded Krūzbergs a 7000 euro bonus for his Olympic performance. A special 3500 euro bonus was also awarded to the athlete’s coach, Kārlis Krūzbergs, recognizing his professional work, contribution, and support. Robert Krūzberg’s first coaches, Māris Birzulis and Irina Ozoliņa, will each receive a 1500 euro bonus for their contributions to the athlete’s development.