Caleb’s luge journey began unexpectedly at the Titletown Winter Games, when he won a luge event and was handed his prize by a former Olympian. What started as a fun family outing quickly sparked a passion. Soon after, Caleb attended a screening camp in Lake Placid, where he experienced luge on ice for the very first time. Out of hundreds of youth, he was selected as one of just 15 boys nationwide to join the Team USA Junior Development Team.

Since then, Caleb has shown remarkable dedication. He’s now spent 16+ weeks training in Lake Placid, advanced to the Youth National C Team, and even competed in combined Youth/Junior National competitions—placing 4th this summer against older athletes on the World Cup track. He’s training side-by-side with Olympic contenders in this Olympic year, gaining invaluable experience and inspiration. Most importantly, he’s found his community in the sport—athletes who push him to grow both on and off the ice.

But as with any elite sport, this journey comes with significant expenses. Families are responsible for covering training, travel, and equipment costs until athletes reach the top tiers of USA Luge. This season alone, we expect over $20,000 in costs as Caleb trains and competes in Park City (November) and Lake Placid (December), with the possibility of European training in 2026 if he qualifies.

How You Can Help

Every contribution fuels Caleb’s dream, and gifts of any size make a tangible difference:

$25: Spikes and gloves for his paddle start
$100: Registration fees for one race
$250: Critical equipment, like his helmet
$500: Airfare to Olympic training facilities in Lake Placid from his home in the Midwest.
$1,000: One full week of training at the Olympic Training Center

✨ Special $500 Sponsorship Level ✨
Supporters at the $500 level receive a custom engraved cowbell—the universal sign of support along the luge track—as well as recognition on Caleb’s training shirts and a thank-you shout-out on social media. This is a fun, personal way to be part of his team and cheer him on all season long.

All contributions to this fund are processed under the 501(c)(3) designation of USA Luge and directed specifically to the Caleb Dusek Athlete Training Fund. This designation makes donations tax-deductible; however, please note that transaction and processing fees are applied.

If the tax deduction is not critical for you, we also have alternative ways to contribute directly to Caleb’s designated training fund without those fees. Any funds raised beyond this year’s needs roll forward into next season as Caleb continues advancing toward his dream: one day representing Team USA at the 2034 Winter Games in Park City.

Your gift—whether $25, $500, or $1,000—directly fuels Caleb’s training, travel, and competition. Thank you for cheering him on and joining his journey!

Caleb Dusek

Support USA Luge Youth National A-Team athlete