Here, 12-year-old Gabby Abner tried her hand at the luge tryouts held June 4 and 5 on the Derby Hill at Big Run Park. The event was part of a nationwide search that will give as many as 600 participants a chance to tryout for 80 spots available to train on the ice at Lake Placid with the USA Luge Olympic team. Those participants also help with the search for future athletes like 15-year-old Caylin Weaver of Indianapolis, who is assisting Abner as she heads down the ramp to start her ride down the hill. It was Abner’s first time for the yearly tryout that she participated in with her cousin. Luge Coach Aiden Kelly said the Columbus area and the Derby Hill at Big Run is one of his favorite sites to get recruits over the years.
