Joseph Kilburn
Title: International Bobsled Athlete, Coach, Trainer
Company: The Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT)
Location: Ontario, Canada
With a passion for the sport of bobsledding, Joseph W. Kilburn made the decision to pursue a career as a professional athlete. He was a two-time Olympic bobsledder, completing in 1976 Innsbruck and 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. After retiring from competition, Mr. Kilburn became a trainer and coach for the bobsled. He has served as the head coach of team U.S.A in 1995 and was the Canadian coach and technical director at the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. Additionally, Mr. Kilburn was the coordinator for the inclusion of women for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games’ bobsled team for the for the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. An expert in bobsled tracks around the world, Mr. Kilburn published a coaching manual that has assisted countless coaches in building stronger bobsled teams. He continues to participate in promoting the sport through his position with the FIBT where he is responsible for organizing events, budgets and submissions, coaching, consulting, and working with male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 36, both two- and four-person teams. Mr. Kilburn attributes the success of his 39-year career to his perseverance and love for the sport. Looking toward the future, he hopes to work with more individuals, and make a contribution to them based on his experience.