The competition took place on Sept. 26, 28 and 30, and featured solo and two-person combo pushes for the women and solo, two-person and three-person combos for the men.

The bobsled event was the first step in the athletes’ journey to be selected for a North American Cup or World Cup team. Their overall push time and velocity were measured.

The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony on Sept. 30. Prizes were awarded to the top-scoring pilots based on combined times. The top three push athletes for both men and women were honored as well.

Kaysha Love took home first place in the women’s pilot competition while Kris Horn secured the top spot for the men’s pilot event. Both individuals competed in the 2022 Olympic Games as push athletes and have since been transitioning to the driver’s seat.

In the women’s push category, Emily Renna placed first, followed by Jasmine Jones in second and Cassidy Orban in third. In the men’s push athlete category, Hakeem Abdul-Saboor placed first, Dallas Robinson took second and Carsten Vissering finished third.

“It is very apparent that the athletes have done a lot of work this off-season,” Director of Sport Performance Curt Tomasevicz said. “With hours and hours in the weight room and sprint track, many are coming into the season stronger and faster than they have ever been before. They have utilized the Ice House for push training and it is clear that work is paying off. I am excited to see the improvements for this year.”

Following the push championships, the bobsled athletes will compete in selection races which will take place on Nov. 2 and 4. The event will mark the first competition of the season on the full outdoor track at Mount Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid.

Skeleton National Push Championships are also right around the corner, spanning the week of Oct. 8 to 15. Skeleton athletes will also compete in the selection races on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2.