Dow and USA Luge partner for faster sleds
Midland, MI – Dow and USA Luge announced they are advancing their long-standing technical collaboration with a renewed focus on gold this winter. Since 2007, Dow’s cutting-edge materials science and engineering expertise has helped USA Luge push the boundaries of sled performance. During that time, the team has secured over 100 World Cup and World Championship medals, along with historic Olympic Winter Game podium finishes.
As the Official Technical Partner of USA Luge, Dow is currently deeply embedded in the team’s preparations to compete, with experts from Dow’s Materials Engineering Center (MEC) providing hands-on support and technological expertise. Leveraging advanced R&D capabilities – such as 3D printing, custom testing, simulations, and data analytics – the team aims to enhance sled speed, durability and comfort, while complying with strict regulations. In a sport where milliseconds can mean the difference between fifth place and first, even the smallest adjustments can deliver a competitive edge.
“Dow’s commitment to innovation and athlete-centered design has been vital to our successes over the years, and we’re so excited to see where it takes us at this winter,” said Gordy Sheer, director of marketing and sponsorship at USA Luge. “Their team truly listens to our athletes, adapts to the evolving demands of our sport and consistently delivers solutions not just to the challenges we present but the areas of opportunity we haven’t even considered.”
Dow and USA Luge believe that the best outcomes happen when the full team comes together – from athletes to engineers. Through the partnership, Dow uses luge as a platform for advancing materials R&D and shared success.
“Our MEC team is constantly testing and refining our expansive R&D capabilities alongside USA Luge,” says Carlos Padilla II, Head of Global Sports Partnerships at Dow. “That continuous improvement not only helps us deliver stronger sled innovations, but it also strengthens the R&D foundation we draw on to develop technologies for our customers across industries. Partnerships like this show how innovation and teamwork can drive progress in both sport and science.”
USA Luge athletes will be chasing their dreams from Feb. 7 – 12, 2026.