Elsa Desmond (Lyttelton 15) Olympian
10 April 2025
Photograph by Kirsten Kohlwey
Elsa Desmond (Lyttelton 15) is currently ranked number one in Ireland and 28th in the world in Luge. She made history as Ireland's first Olympic luge athlete during the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and is now working hard and hoping to qualify for her second Winter Olympics, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Elsa is unfunded and is currently looking for sponsorship.
Elsa writes, “With less than a year to go until the Olympics so there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes. Right now, I am just focusing on being as ready as I can be physically and mentally for the Qualification races."
Elsa’s interest in luge began at the age of eight when she watched the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Despite the absence of a luge tradition in Ireland, she was keen to pursue the sport. Recognising the lack of a national federation, Elsa worked with her family to establish the Irish Luge Federation and continued to s. Her commitment paid off when she qualified for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the first female luger to represent Ireland on this stage. She continues to run the Irish Luge Federation alongside coaching the growing junior team with the aim of ensuring the longevity of the sport within Ireland, while aiming to again make history at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
"It would be a huge honour to be able to represent Ireland at a second Olympics. In Beijing, because of covid, there was no spectators. So, to be able to have my family and friends on track side in Italy would be so special"
If you can support Elsa with sponsorship please email oldstoic@stowe.co.uk