Arvis Vilkaste is a distinguished Latvian bobsledder known for his remarkable accomplishments as a brakeman since he began competing in 2010. Born on April 8, 1989, in Latvia, Arvis initially excelled as a sprinter, winning a gold medal in the 4×100 relay at the 2008 Latvian Athletics Championships. His athletic prowess and dedication to speed led him to transition into the demanding sport of bobsledding.
Vilkaste’s career highlights include a historic gold medal win in the four-man event at the FIBT World Championships in 2016, held in Igls, Austria. This victory marked Latvia’s first-ever gold medal in bobsled at the World Championships and solidified his place among the elite in the sport. Earlier, he showcased his talent by winning a bronze medal in the four-man event at the 2015 World Championships in Winterberg, Germany, as well as the 2012 World Junior Championship title.
Arvis made his Olympic debut at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where he contributed to his team’s silver medal performance in the four-man event. His impressive track record continued with a European Championship gold in 2015 and a consistent presence on the podium, finishing third in the 2016 European Championship.
Throughout the 2014–15 Bobsleigh World Cup season, Vilkaste, alongside pilot Oskars Melbārdis, achieved an impressive eight podium finishes, including five first-place victories. As he continues to compete at high levels, Arvis Vilkaste remains an inspiring figure in Latvian sports, showcasing the spirit of determination and teamwork in bobsledding.