The first IBSF Summer Training Camp – held at Olymp Sports Centre in Czechia’s capital Prague – has been a tremendous success thanks to the thoughtful preparation and positive environment created by the Czech Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation hosts.
A total of 25 bobsleigh and skeleton athletes from 12 nations on four continents came together in Prague from 23 to 30 August. Prioritising needs has been essential for the athletes, who are at different stages in their sports careers – with some targeting qualification for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Mind, body and soul
The carefully designed seven-day summer camp blended intense physical training with mental preparation and the opportunity to build friendships. During a one-day ‘switch off’, the athletes visited culturally rich Prague, including the 9th century castle complex, and of course, stopped for ’gelato’…
“On top of being able to give these athletes a highly focused physical and technical roadmap into the upcoming season, the Czech Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation ensured the athletes benefited from engaging activities off the track designed to build self -confidence and a sense of belonging,” explained Nicola Minichiello, IBSF Academy & Development Manager.
Brazil’s Eduardo Strapasson, the U20 Pan-American Champion who competed at the Youth Olympic Games 2024, made his IBSF World Cup last season. As the only male skeleton athlete competing for Brazil, becoming part of the global family is key.
“This camp is good for a lot of things,” he explained on IBSF Instagram. “Skeleton is not just about sliding and sprinting. Off the track, you have friends and a team. Now we have new friends – when we start the new season, they are there to help you.”
International Push Championship
The IBSF Summer Camp was timed to come to an exciting climax with an international push championship – the 35th International Championship of Czechia in Bobsleigh & Skeleton Push 2025.
Desi Johnson – who joined the Australian bobsleigh team in 2023 as brakewoman after a successful track and field career in 100m and heptathlon – went one step further on the summer camp in Prague by winning the women’s push event:
“Coming home from the IBSF Summer Camp with this Championship win has been the icing on the cake.
“The camp has been a brilliant experience – focusing on training goals and performance as well as meeting fellow athletes and taking in the European culture. I am so excited for the Olympic season ahead!”
A global bobsleigh and skeleton family
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the Czech Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation for the IBSF first ever Summer Training Camp,” said Nicola Minichiello, IBSF Academy & Development Manager.
“This has really been a defining moment – the first IBSF Summer Training Camp has been a huge success, and we now have a blueprint for the next Camp!”
Martin Bohman, President of the Czech Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association, member of the Czech Olympic Committee’s Executive Committee, and member of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic bobsleigh team, was joined by several members of the Federation making sure the athletes were inspired in their new environment.
“We have been truly honoured to host the first IBSF Summer Training Camp – we are super happy that the athletes enjoyed our facilities at Olymp Sports Centre and our city!
“Bobsleigh and skeleton are complex sports mentally and physically – athletes train all year round for the winter season, and it’s often only during this time of intense competition that they come together face-to-face.
“So this camp, which has mixed physical with mental agility, has also been the perfect opportunity for athletes to make alliances – to take advantage of the fact that we are a global bobsleigh and skeleton family.
“We’re now looking forward to seeing these athletes move through the upcoming season with improved skills, confidence and new friendships.”