Who leads the pack in Latvian sports?
From the basketball courts to the ice hockey rinks, who stands out the most?
Discover the most popular athletes from Latvia, and explore how they have made their mark on their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Latvia.
Most popular athletes from Latvia:
- Kristaps Porziņģis
- Māris Štrombergs
- Ingrīda Ūdre
- Sandis Ozoliņš
- Jānis Ījābs
- Angelīna Kučvaļska
- Mārtiņš Plūme
- Ernests Gulbis
- Andris Biedriņš
- Laura Ikauniece
- Anastasija Sevastova
- Zemgus Girgensons
- Ksenija Balta
Table of Contents
#1 Kristaps Porziņģis
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1995
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: NBA All-Star
Kristaps Porziņģis, known as the “Latvian Unicorn,” has made a significant impact in the NBA with his diverse skillset and unique playing style. His abilities have earned him recognition and praise from fans and fellow players.
Off the court, Kristaps has been involved in various charitable activities and has become a role model for young Latvian athletes.
#2 Māris Štrombergs
- 🏆 Sport(s): BMX Racing
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Māris Štrombergs, known as the “Latvian Machine,” has dominated the world of BMX racing, earning him international recognition. His achievements have inspired a generation of cyclists in Latvia and worldwide.
Apart from his athletic success, Māris is an advocate for youth sports and is actively involved in promoting BMX racing in Latvia.
#3 Ingrīda Ūdre
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1982
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: EuroBasket Women’s MVP
Ingrīda Ūdre, a former basketball player, has left a significant mark on the Latvian basketball scene. Her outstanding skills and leadership have been an inspiration to many aspiring athletes in her home country.
Today, she continues her involvement in the sport as a coach and mentor, shaping the future of Latvian basketball.
#4 Sandis Ozoliņš
- 🏆 Sport(s): Ice Hockey
- 🎂 Born in: 1972
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Stanley Cup Champion
Sandis Ozoliņš is a Latvian ice hockey legend widely admired for his performances in the NHL. His success on the ice has made him an icon in Latvia and an inspiration for young hockey players.
Off the ice, Sandis is actively involved in the development of Latvian ice hockey and works as a youth coach, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game.
#5 Jānis Ījābs
- 🏆 Sport(s): Biathlon
- 🎂 Born in: 1980
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: World Cup Bronze Medalist
Jānis Ījābs is a celebrated Latvian biathlete, known for his remarkable performances on the international stage. His achievements have brought attention to the sport of biathlon in Latvia and encouraged more young athletes to get involved.
Today, Jānis continues to contribute to the growth of Latvian biathlon as a coach and mentor.
#6 Angelīna Kučvaļska
- 🏆 Sport(s): Figure Skating
- 🎂 Born in: 1999
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Multiple-time Latvian National Champion
Angelīna Kučvaļska is a talented Latvian figure skater, known for her mesmerizing performances on the ice. Her dedication and passion for the sport have placed her as one of Latvia’s most promising young athletes.
Off the ice, Angelīna is a role model for aspiring figure skaters and is actively involved in promoting the sport in Latvia.
#7 Mārtiņš Plūme
- 🏆 Sport(s): Beach Volleyball
- 🎂 Born in: 1985
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: European Championship Bronze Medalist
Mārtiņš Plūme has made a significant impact on Latvian beach volleyball, with numerous achievements on both national and international levels. His dedication and skill have inspired a generation of beach volleyball players in his home country.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Mārtiņš is passionate about developing the sport in Latvia and works as a coach and mentor for young players.
#8 Ernests Gulbis
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1988
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2014 French Open Semi-finalist
Ernests Gulbis is a renowned Latvian tennis player who has made a name for himself on the ATP tour. Known for his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style, Ernests has been a prominent figure in Latvian tennis for over a decade.
Off the court, Gulbis has been involved in charitable initiatives and is a role model for aspiring tennis players in his home country.
#9 Andris Biedriņš
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: NBA Player for Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz
Andris Biedriņš, a Latvian basketball player, made his mark in the NBA with his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. His professional career in the United States has inspired a generation of basketball players in Latvia.
Since retiring from basketball, Biedriņš has continued his involvement in the sport, supporting young athletes and promoting basketball in Latvia.
#10 Laura Ikauniece
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Bronze Medal at 2015 World Championships in Heptathlon
Laura Ikauniece is a Latvian heptathlete who has gained international recognition for her stellar performances in track and field. Her drive and determination have made her one of the most prominent athletes in Latvia.
Off the track, Laura works with young athletes and is involved in promoting track and field events in her home country.
#11 Anastasija Sevastova
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1990
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3 WTA Titles and 2018 US Open Semi-finalist
Anastasija Sevastova is a top Latvian tennis player who has made a significant impact on the WTA tour. Her consistent performances and fighting spirit have placed her among the best tennis players in Latvia.
Off the court, Anastasija is actively involved in supporting and promoting tennis in Latvia and is admired by many young aspiring tennis players.
#12 Zemgus Girgensons
- 🏆 Sport(s): Ice Hockey
- 🎂 Born in: 1994
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: NHL All-Star
Zemgus Girgensons is a Latvian professional ice hockey player who has made his mark in the NHL. As a forward for the Buffalo Sabres, Girgensons’ tenacity and determination on the ice have gained him recognition both in Latvia and internationally.
Off the ice, Zemgus is actively involved in the development of Latvian ice hockey and supports local youth teams and players.
#13 Ksenija Balta
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: European Champion in Long Jump
Ksenija Balta is a talented Latvian track and field athlete known for her success in both long jump and sprinting events. Her achievements on the international stage have solidified her place as one of Latvia’s most accomplished athletes.
Off the track, Ksenija is involved in inspiring and mentoring the next generation of Latvian track and field stars.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Latvia?
Jānis Daliņš, renowned race walker, is considered the greatest athlete in the history of Latvia.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Latvia?
The tennis player Jeļena Ostapenko is the most popular female athlete from Latvia.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Latvia?
Ice hockey has the most popular athletes from Latvia.
Which athlete from Latvia is the most popular internationally?
Kristaps Porziņģis, the NBA basketball player, is the most internationally recognized athlete from Latvia.
