Team Meets With U.S. Ambassador

Our team was honored to receive a visit from the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, Mr. John Beyrle, on Thursday, December 3 at the luge track in Paramonovo.

He was invited by Vanessa Hyrns, Jake’s mother, who contacted him knowing that ambassador Beryle was a native of Muskegon, Michigan, Jake’s hometown.

On the day of the visit, two permanent staff from the embassy’s Sports Diplomacy office arrived in advance to set up the event, held in the VIP room at the track’s finish house. They were soon joined by the ambassador’s security detail. Mr. Beyrle himself arrived shortly before 2PM, in a black car waving the United States flag.

His arrival delayed by Moscow traffic, the ambassador’s time together with the team was limited due to our training session scheduled to begin at 2:30. He talked with the team for about 10 minutes and posed for a group photo, which was visible yesterday on the U.S. embassy's website. Tea and snacks were served, courtesy of the Russian Luge Federation. After the athletes left to begin their warm up, the ambassador, Pete and myself continued to the Junior Start, interrupted only by a call regarding ongoing arms control talks. Mr. Beyrle watched several sleds go by, and as our session began he was escorted to the Men’s Start by Gennady Radionov, Vice President of the Russian Luge Federation, and Event Manager of the competition.

The ambassador made a favorable impression with the team. “He was very laid back, and a cool guy,” said Jake. “I wish I had more time to talk to him, and I would have liked to ask him about his job.”