By: Scott Brinton
Youth A includes competitors up to age 17. Young scored her big victories against a deep talent pool that included competitors from Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy and Latvia.
Young, who travels with the U.S. national team and is sponsored in part by Verizon Wireless, will maintain a rigorous race schedule that will take her across Europe in the coming weeks. She hopes to end the 2004-05 season as the top racer in the Youth A division.
Young, who trains in Lake Placid, N.Y., also plans to take part in the U.S. Olympic trials in Park City, Utah, in February. If she were to qualify for the U.S. team, she would compete in the Olympics in Torino, Italy, in 2006. The field of luge candidates is tough, however, and Young is still developing as a racer. Her goal is to make the Olympics in 2010.
Luge is a fast-paced sport. Young can reach speeds of 65 miles per hour on a 3,000-foot-long, ice-covered track. Her only protection while on the sled is her helmet.
Anastasia's father, civic and environmental activist Robert Young, said of his daughter, "She wants to represent the country and win medals for the United States." Robert Young is an international luge racing judge, and his wife, Alexandria Markovich Young, is a national official.
Anastasia, who studies while competing on the international circuit, has consistently made the honor roll at Calhoun High School, where she's a student, her father said.
Anastasia's biggest challenge is funding. The money she receives from the national team is hardly enough to cover her numerous expenses. To sponsor Young, send a check payable to the U.S. Luge Association to 57 Church St., Lake Placid, NY 12946. Don't note Young's name on the check memorandum. Rather, attach a letter stating for whom the money should be allocated. All donations are tax-deductible, and the USA Luge Foundation will send a letter to confirm a donation.
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
