3X OLYMPIAN CHRIS FOGT STEPS INTO USA BOBSLED HEAD COACH POSITION
by Abby Slenker
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (June 6, 2024) - Christopher (Chris) Fogt has officially assumed the position of USA Bobsled Head Coach for the United States Bobsled/Skeleton Federation (USABS).
Fogt, a Major in the United States Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), is a three-time Olympian and an Olympic Silver medalist. His silver medal was achieved at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi as part of the renowned Night Train Team in the four-man event. Additionally, he competed in the two-man Bobsled event in Sochi, securing 10th place. He also competed in the 4-man event at both the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang.
"Chris's structured leadership style and enthusiasm will be great for our team of coaches in preparation for the upcoming season and the 2026 Games,” shared Curt Tomasevicz, Director of Sport Performance for USABS.
Fogt is taking over this position from the esteemed bobsled athlete and coach Brian Shimer. Shimer assumed the role of team Head Coach after the 2022 Olympic Games. In the last two seasons, Shimer has excelled, preparing the team for success at the 2025 World Championships in Lake Placid and the 2026 Olympic Games. During his time as head coach, Shimer led the United States Bobsled Team to 20 World Cup top-six medals and two World Championships medals during the 2022/2023 season. During the 2023/2024 season, he helped the team earn 26 World Cup top-six medals and five top-six medals during World Championships.
Chris brings a wealth of bobsled-specific knowledge, leadership experience from his military service, and valuable past experience on the USABS Board of Directors as an Athlete Advisory Counsel (AAC) representative. He will remain the primary contact for push athletes and will lead the strategic planning of the program in collaboration with Tomasevicz and the organizational requirements of the Head Coach.
"During my time as the head coach, I continue to learn the importance of effective communication and strong leadership skills. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a great staff the last few years and feel it’s time for me to pass on the Head Coaching duties to Coach Chris Fogt whom I have tremendous respect for as a great communicator and strong leader allowing me to focus more on the track with pilots and sleds and helping Marc with the equipment. It has been a rewarding experience to see the athletes grow and develop both on and off the track, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have lead them in their relentless pursuit of Olympic glory and look forward to what the future holds," shared Shimer.
“I am humbled and excited to assume the role as head coach. Brian has done an exceptional job leading the program and setting the team up for success at the 2026 Games and beyond,” shared Fogt.
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About USA Bobsled/Skeleton
USA Bobsled/Skeleton is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton racing in the United States. Based in Lake Placid, NY, USA Bobsled/Skeleton oversees the development and training of American athletes at all levels of competition.