Successful Preparation
Test runs ofr the newly built Alpensia Sliding Center were successfully held from October 25 to 29 in the host city of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
For 5 days, 28 athletes and officials from 10 nations represented the International Luge Federation (FIL) while 50 athletes and officials from seven nations participated for the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). Each team was able to carry out at least three laps to test the new sliding center.
As sliding centers inherently involve risk to competing athletes, it was crucial to test all safety related facilities. The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games (POCOG) and Gangwon Province have been working closely to prepare for the *pre-homologation.
Lambert Koppen, a third party technician recognized by FIL and IBSF from Johnson Controls mentioned, “After the cooling plant inspection, I can give a green light to start the pre-homologation. Many points are done and the cooling plant is now safe for the athletes.”
Subsequently, the athletes were able to conduct seamless practice sessions throughout the pre-homologation process.
The successful result of the pre-homologation was an opportunity to build confidence for POCOG, Gangwon Province, and international federations prior to the test events, which are scheduled to be held from February 16 to 19 (Luge) and March 17 to 19 (Bobsleigh & Skeleton).
POCOG Vice President of Games Operations Baek Sun-gil said, “POCOG and Gangwon Province are proud to have achieved such great results. As safety is our top priority, we are still in the process of improving the venues for all athletes, spectators, and staff to enjoy the actual Games as well as the upcoming test events.”