The US had a strong women’s singles event with their best ever finish and first ever medal. It wasn’t so good on the men’s side as the best finish in the men’s singles category was their worst in 30 years and in men’s doubles was their worst in 26 years. There will be some heavy motivation over the next four years to try and improve and make a better showing at the next Olympics.

Men’s Singles

The US competitors were well off the pace in this year’s Olympics. The only top ten finishes in a single run came from Chris Mazdzer who had two runs (first and fourth) that were tenth best. Mazder’s 13th place finish was the first time in 22 years that the Americans didn’t have a top ten finisher. It was their worst finish since 1984. Certainly a low point they’ll look to rebound from in Peyongchang.

Men’s Doubles

In the double’s event the US had a best finish of 11th by Christian Niccum and Jayson Terdiman. On neither of the two runs did the US have a top-ten time from either of their teams. It was the first time since 1988 that the US hasn’t had a top ten team in the doubles event.

Women’s Singles

Women’s singles was clearly the highlight of the luge competitions for the US. Erin Hamlin was in the top three on all four of her runs and finished in third to win the first ever singles medal for the US. She was even within a quarter of a second of the silver. It marked a strong rebound from 2010 when Hamlin was also the best finisher for the US but was in 16th. That should provide some hope to the men’s side that a quick rebound into the top five in four years is very possible.

Mixed Relay

The US took home sixth in the inaugural mixed relay event. They had a good time from Erin Hamlin but were too far back in the two men’s portions. If the US can be more competitive on the men’s side in Peyongchang they should have a good chance to medal in this event.