LAKE PLACID, N.Y.  (November 23, 2021) –USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) is proud to announce today that Eric Bernotas has been hired as the Director of Skeleton Development.

“We are excited to add Eric to the USABS staff as we continue to identify ways to expand our support to current USA athletes and future teams,” said Aron McGuire, USABS Chief Executive Officer. “He brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience as an athlete and a coach. We are confident that Eric will be incredibly beneficial as we recruit and develop the next generation of skeleton athletes to represent the United States.”

Bernotas competed in the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Winter Games for the U.S. during his 10 years as a skeleton athlete. Bernotas’ sliding resume includes three World Championship medals, and 12 World Cup medals.

He transitioned to coaching in 2011 when he joined the Australian skeleton program as head coach and was part of the Australian coaching staff at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. He then moved to the British Skeleton program for five years as the Technical Coach of Elite Performance, where he worked with a performance team of athletes and staff that resulted in three medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games. Most recently, Bernotas worked with the Canadian skeleton program as the head coach and in multiple areas of performance and development.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join USABS after spending the past ten years working abroad,” Bernotas said. “ I am fortunate to have been exposed to a variety of experiences and gained a better understanding for the possibilities in the areas of both development and performance. I am looking forward to joining a strong existing US team and contributing to further developing USA Skeleton, as we continue to drive forward and strive for excellence.”

In his new role with USABS, Bernotas will be responsible for creating and executing the organization’s recruitment, onboarding, and development strategy across programs in collaboration with the USA Skeleton Head Coach and USABS Director of Sport Performance. He will coach at skeleton screening camps, sliding schools and domestic programs, and at international competitions, which may include support on the World Cup tour and Olympic Games as needed. Bernotas will also be responsible for meeting with athletes throughout the year to review individual and team goals, progress, strengths, and areas of improvements.

For media inquiries, please contact USABS Marketing and Communications Director Amanda Bird at amanda.bird@usabs.com.

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About USA Bobsled/Skeleton

USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS), based in Lake Placid, N.Y., is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton in the United States. For more information, please visit the USABS website at www.usabs.com. Individuals interested in becoming a bobsled or skeleton athlete can visit www.usabobsledskeleton.com.