USA Luger Crafts Clay Pins to Celebrate Women’s Olympic Events
Sophia Kirkby, a USA Luger, has created a unique initiative by crafting clay pins celebrating women’s Olympic events. This project serves both as a cathartic outlet for her grief and a means to promote winter sports for women. The idea blossomed amidst personal challenges, particularly following the death of her father, James, last summer.
Background on Sophia Kirkby
Sophia’s connection to sliding sports began when her father, a former bobsledder, introduced her to the sport in Lake Placid, New York. Her journey with ceramics started at age six, providing solace during her father’s battle with Stage 4 prostate cancer. Kirkby spends up to 25 hours a week working on her craft, ensuring she balances her artistic pursuits with intensive training for the upcoming Olympics.
The Olympic Debut of Women’s Doubles Luge
Kirkby will compete alongside her partner, Chevonne Forgan, as women’s doubles luge makes its Olympic debut at the Cortina Sliding Centre. To promote her sport and women’s athletics, she crafted approximately 2,000 ceramic pins since July. About 100 will be traded during the Games, each featuring a representation of various women’s winter sports events.
The Crafting Process
- Each pin is made from clay and stamped with images of athletes or sports.
- Featured athletes include Hilary Knight (hockey) and Elana Meyers Taylor (bobsleigh).
- Pins are designed to serve as lasting mementos for fans and athletes alike.
Support for Fellow Athletes
Kirkby is also selling her pins through various channels, including Amazon and local shops in Cortina and Lake Placid. She dedicates 10% of her sales to the athletes whose images appear on the pins. The proceeds help cover material costs as well as compensate her for her time and effort.
This entrepreneurial spirit has drawn admiration from others, including Rabbi Alec Friedmann, another member of the Arts Center where Kirkby creates her pins. Friedmann has also found healing through ceramics, merging his background in engineering with artistic expression.
The Significance of Pin Trading
At the Olympic Games, pin trading is a significant tradition. These pins often act as currency for exchanging favors among athletes and fans, making them valuable collectibles. Kirkby’s event is not just a personal project; it’s a movement aimed at honoring women in sports while fostering a sense of community among athletes and fans.
Through her creative efforts, Kirkby aims to leave a lasting impression that celebrates women’s achievements in winter sports. Her commitment to her craft serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication.
