Latour becomes North Country's first IBSF rep in over 40 years

SARANAC LAKE | Ever since sleds started rumbling down mountainsides, the sports of bobsled and skeleton, coupled with the Adirondacks, have been synonymous. Yet, for some 45 years, the region has been noticeably absent from the ruling body of the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. That is, until now. In early June, at the IBSF Congress in Salzburg, Austria, Tuffield "Tuffy" Latour, of Saranac Lake, was voted overwhelmingly to the federation board as the Vice President of Sport. Prior to Latour's election, the last Northern New York residents holding such positions were Stan Benham in the early 1960s, Jim Lamey in the late 1960s and early 1970s, followed by John Fell until 1982. Since then, however, there has been no Adirondack presence on the IBSF or the IBSF executive board. Latour won by a 39-5 margin, the largest of all seven races. He brings over 30 years' experience in both sports as athlete and coach to his new position. In that span, Latour coached bobsledding for 14 years and skeleton for another 13 years. He is set to serve through the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in the French Alps. "I am truly honored to be elected as IBSF Vice President of Sport. This is an exciting opportunity to work together to strengthen and grow the sports of bobsled and skeleton, expand their global reach, and ensure that athletes remain at the center of every decision we make. I look forward to collaborating with athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, and member federations to build a stronger, more unified, and sustainable future for our sports." The Latour family is steeped in the genes of bobsledding as Tuffy's grandfather, also Tuffy, finished fifth in the 1948 St. Moritz Winter Olympics. In 1959, he teamed with Forest "Dew Drop" Morgan to capture gold in the United States National Championships. The duo was in the running for a 1960 Olympic berth, but with no track in Squaw Valley, Calif., the event was canceled. Latour is part of a sea change that is taking hold in global bobsled and skeleton that finds vice presidents from Canada, Korea, Malta and Australia stepping into office. Although Lake Placid hosted the World Championships in 2025, there have been no World Cup events in North America since the finals in 2024, and no World Cups are slated through 2027. It's envisioned that Latour and his colleagues can influence a more balanced schedule thereafter.

Signup for our newsletter

Latour becomes North Country's first IBSF rep in over 40 years

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS