Famous Latvian Sportspersons

Kristaps Porziņģis is a Latvian professional basketball player known as "The Unicorn." He began his career with Sevilla before entering the NBA draft and being selected by the New York Knicks. Porziņģis was regarded as a cornerstone player for the Knicks but was later traded to the Dallas Mavericks due to disagreements. He faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent performance. After a stint with the Washington Wizards, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he contributed to their 2024 NBA Finals victory.

Rodions Kurucs is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility and scoring ability as a small forward. Standing at 6 ft 9 in, he has showcased his skills in the Spanish Liga ACB for UCAM Murcia. Kurucs is recognized for his athleticism, shooting touch, and defensive capabilities on the court. His professional career has seen him adapt to different playing styles and contribute significantly to the success of his team through his all-around performance and basketball IQ.

Dāvis Bertāns is a Latvian professional basketball player known as the "Latvian Laser." He has played for various teams in the NBA, including the Charlotte Hornets. Bertāns is also a key player for the Latvian national team. He was selected as the 42nd overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. Known for his sharpshooting skills and versatility on the court, Bertāns has established himself as a valuable asset in the league and continues to make significant contributions to his teams.

Mairis Briedis is a highly accomplished Latvian professional boxer, known for his impressive career in the cruiserweight division. He is a three-time world champion, holding titles from various organizations including the IBF, WBC, WBO, and Ring. Briedis made history by becoming the first Latvian to hold a world boxing title. Throughout his career, he has faced and defeated notable opponents such as Oleksandr Usyk, Marco Huck, and Yuniel Dorticos. Currently ranked among the top three active cruiserweights, Briedis continues to showcase his skill and determination in the boxing world.

Ernests Gulbis is a Latvian former professional tennis player who achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 10 in June 2014, the only male Latvian player to do so. He won six ATP titles, including his first singles title in Delray Beach in 2010. Gulbis reached the semifinals of the 2014 French Open and the quarterfinals in 2008. Throughout his career, he had various coaches, such as Günter Bresnik, Guillermo Cañas, and Nikola Pilić. Gulbis currently serves as the president of the Latvian Tennis Union.

Anastasija Sevastova is a Latvian professional tennis player known for her accomplishments on the WTA Tour. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 11 in 2018 and has won numerous titles, including four singles titles on the WTA Tour. Sevastova has had notable success at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals in 2016 and the semifinals in 2018. She is recognized for defeating top-ranked players like Garbiñe Muguruza, Johanna Konta, and Sloane Stephens during her career.

Mikhail Tal was a Soviet and Latvian chess player, known as the eighth World Chess Champion. Renowned for his creative genius, he is considered one of the most influential players in chess history. Tal's attacking and daring combinatorial style, characterized by improvisation and unpredictability, earned him the nickname "The Magician from Riga." He held the record for the longest unbeaten streak in competitive chess history and was also respected as a chess writer. The annual Mikhail Tal Memorial chess tournament in Moscow commemorates his legacy.

Andris Biedriņš is a retired Latvian professional basketball player who was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. Known for his defensive skills and shot-blocking abilities, Biedriņš played as a center during his career. He spent the majority of his NBA tenure with the Warriors, where he established himself as a reliable rim protector and rebounder. Biedriņš' contributions on the court earned him recognition as a key player for the team before his retirement.

Zemgus Girgensons is a Latvian professional ice hockey forward playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, becoming the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history. Prior to this, he was selected by CSKA Moscow in the KHL Junior Draft. Girgensons showcased his talent by being voted to the NHL All-Star Game in 2015, highlighting his skill and contribution to the sport at the highest level.

Artūrs Irbe is a Latvian professional ice hockey coach and former goaltender. He played for various Soviet league teams and the Soviet Union national team before moving to North America in 1991. In the NHL, Irbe played for the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, and Carolina Hurricanes. After retiring in 2007, he became a goaltending coach for Dinamo Riga, the Washington Capitals, and the Buffalo Sabres. He has also coached internationally with the Latvia men's national ice hockey team and was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2010.

Uļjana Larionovna Semjonova is a retired Latvian basketball player of Russian descent who represented the Soviet Union. Standing at a height of at least 2.13 m, she was a dominant force in women's basketball during the 1970s and 1980s. Semjonova played for TTT Riga for most of her career, winning numerous championships in the Soviet Union and the European Champion's Cup. She excelled in international competition, winning two Olympic Gold medals and maintaining an unbeaten record. Semjonova has been honored with prestigious awards and inductions into several Halls of Fame for her contributions to the sport.

Elmārs Zemgalis was a renowned Latvian and American chess master and mathematics professor at Highline College. He began playing chess at a young age, achieving success in various championships before fleeing Latvia during World War II. Zemgalis competed in numerous international tournaments as a Displaced Person, earning impressive results and establishing himself as a top player. Upon emigrating to the United States, he continued his chess career and excelled in the Pacific Northwest, winning state championships and matches against notable opponents. His contributions to chess were recognized with an Honorary Grandmaster title in 2003.

Jānis Timma is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility on the court. He currently plays for Monbus Obradoiro in the Liga ACB and is a key member of the senior Latvian national team. Standing at 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), Timma primarily operates as a small forward, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive skills. With a successful career in both club and international competitions, he has established himself as a reliable and impactful player in the world of basketball.

Martins Dukurs is a former Latvian skeleton racer turned coach, known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a dominant force, earning six world championship titles and two Olympic silver medals. Dukurs holds the record for the most World Cup titles, having won a total of 11, including eight consecutive titles between 2010 and 2017, and three consecutive titles between 2020 and 2022. His dedication and consistency have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest skeleton athletes of all time.

Artūrs Kurucs is a professional basketball player for UCAM Murcia in the Spanish Liga ACB and the Basketball Champions League. Standing at 1.93 meters tall, he plays as a guard. Kurucs has demonstrated his skills and talent on the court, contributing to his team's success. His dedication and hard work have earned him a solid reputation in the world of basketball. Kurucs' professional career is marked by his commitment to the sport and his continuous efforts to improve and excel in his performance.

Māris Verpakovskis is a Latvian retired professional footballer known for his role as a striker. He represented the Latvia national team at UEFA Euro 2004, where he made history by becoming the only Latvian player to score in the final stages of a major international football tournament. Verpakovskis had a successful career playing for various clubs and was highly regarded for his goal-scoring abilities. His contributions to Latvian football and memorable performances on the international stage have solidified his legacy in the sport.

Jānis Strēlnieks is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills as a shooting guard. He has played for various teams, including Scafati Basket in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). With a height of 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in), Strēlnieks is recognized for his scoring ability and defensive prowess on the court. He is also a valuable asset to the senior Latvia national team, showcasing his talent and dedication at the international level.

Konstantin Gluhov is a highly accomplished Latvian heavyweight kickboxer and mixed martial artist with Russian heritage. He has showcased his skills on a global stage, achieving success as a former WPKA World Muaythai champion. Gluhov is a prominent figure in the K-1 fighting scene, having made his debut in 2006 and continuing to compete at a high level. His career is marked by impressive performances and a dedicated pursuit of excellence in the world of combat sports.

Rolands Šmits is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility on the court. Standing at 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) and weighing 107 kg (235 lbs), he excels as a power forward and can also effectively play as a small ball center. He currently plays for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi and the EuroLeague. With his skills and adaptability, Šmits contributes significantly to his team's success and is recognized for his impact in professional basketball.

Jeļena "Aļona" Ostapenko is a Latvian professional tennis player known for her impressive achievements on the WTA Tour. She reached career-high rankings of No. 5 in singles and No. 7 in doubles. Ostapenko made history by winning the 2017 French Open singles title as an unseeded player, becoming the first from Latvia to win a major singles tournament since 1933. With a total of fourteen WTA titles, including seven singles and seven doubles, she has also found success on the ITF Women's Circuit and as a member of the Latvia Fed Cup team.

Māris Štrombergs is a Latvian former professional BMX racer who made history by becoming the first Olympic champion in BMX cycling at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He further solidified his dominance in the sport by winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Throughout his career, Štrombergs trained with notable coaches such as Raimonds Ciesnieks and Ivo Lakučs. He achieved remarkable success on the BMX circuit, including winning the 2008 UCI BMX World Championships. After a successful career, Štrombergs retired in 2018.

Anžejs Pasečņiks is a Latvian professional basketball player currently playing for Palencia in the Liga ACB. He has established himself as a skilled center known for his agility and shot-blocking abilities. Pasečņiks began his career in Europe before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. He has also gained international experience representing the Latvian national team. Pasečņiks continues to showcase his talent and potential as he competes at a high level in professional basketball leagues.

Yevgeny Marchenko began his professional journey in acrobatic gymnastics after being inspired by a school program. He rose through the ranks to become a Soviet national champion, achieving remarkable success as a 5-time World Champion and a 4-time European Champion. Marchenko's expertise extended beyond his own achievements, as he also took on the role of coaching gymnast Carly Patterson. His impact on the sport is evident through his notable achievements as both a competitor and mentor in the gymnastics world.

Deniss Vasiļjevs is a highly accomplished Latvian figure skater known for his impressive achievements on both the national and international stage. He has earned numerous titles and medals throughout his career, including being a four-time ISU Challenger Series medalist and a six-time Latvian national champion. Vasiļjevs made history as the first Latvian skater to reach the podium at both a Junior Grand Prix event and an ISU Championships event. His dedication and skill have solidified his reputation as a top figure skater in the sport.

Ainars Bagatskis is a respected figure in the basketball world, having transitioned from a successful playing career to coaching. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership, Bagatskis has made a name for himself as the head coach of CSO Voluntari in the Liga Națională. His coaching style is characterized by a strong emphasis on team cohesion, player development, and tactical innovation. Bagatskis' professional journey reflects his passion for the sport and his dedication to shaping the next generation of basketball talents.

Jānis Lūsis was a prominent Latvian track and field athlete known for his achievements in javelin throw. He competed in four Summer Olympics for the USSR, winning bronze in 1964, gold in 1968, and silver in 1972. Lūsis set world records in javelin throw, including 91.68 m in 1968 and 93.80 m in 1972. He is a 4-time European champion and was named the greatest javelin thrower in history by the IAAF. After retiring from competing, Lūsis became an athletics coach and received several prestigious awards for his contributions to sports.

Jānis Krūmiņš was a renowned Soviet-Latvian professional basketball player known for his towering height of about 220 cm. He was a dominant center in European basketball, achieving significant success during his career. As a member of the senior Soviet Union national basketball team, Krūmiņš secured multiple gold and silver medals at prestigious events such as the EuroBaskets and the Summer Olympic Games. He was highly regarded by fans and experts alike, earning recognition as one of the top Soviet men's basketball players of all time.

Oleg Znarok is a highly accomplished figure in the world of ice hockey, known for his success as both a player and a coach. He has led various teams to numerous victories, including coaching Russia to gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics and achieving success in multiple IIHF World Championships. Znarok's coaching career highlights include back-to-back Gagarin Cup championships with Dynamo Moscow and a Continental Cup win. He has also coached the Latvian national team at several international competitions, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the sport.

Dairis Bertāns is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his role as a shooting guard for VEF Rīga in the Latvian–Estonian Basketball League. He also represents the Latvia national basketball team. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) and weighing 200 pounds (91 kilograms), Bertāns is recognized for his skill and versatility on the court. With a successful career in professional basketball, he has made significant contributions to his teams through his scoring ability and defensive prowess.

Valdis Valters is a retired Latvian professional basketball player who played at the point guard position for the senior USSR national team. He is considered one of the greatest players in Europe during the 1980s. Valters has had a significant impact on Latvian basketball history, being recognized as one of the most influential figures in the sport. His contributions to the game were further acknowledged when he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Alexei Shirov is a prominent Latvian and Spanish chess player known for his exceptional skills in the game. He achieved the rank of number two in the world in 1994 and gained recognition for winning a match against Vladimir Kramnik in 1998, earning the opportunity to challenge Garry Kasparov for the classical world championship. Despite his achievements, the championship match with Kasparov never materialized due to sponsorship issues, highlighting the challenges faced by professional chess players in the competitive arena.

Artūrs Žagars is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills as a point guard. Currently playing for Fenerbahçe Beko in the Turkish BSL and EuroLeague, he stands at 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in). With a focus on commanding the game from the point guard position, Žagars showcases a combination of court vision, passing ability, and scoring prowess. His presence on the court adds depth and strategy to his team, making him a valuable asset in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Gundars Vētra is a former professional basketball player and current coach from Latvia. He played as a shooting guard and small forward, standing at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m). Vētra made history as the first Latvian to compete in the NBA, representing the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1992–1993 season, appearing in 13 games. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, utilizing his wealth of on-court experience to guide and mentor the next generation of basketball talent.

Mārtiņš Meiers is a prominent Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills and contributions to Rīgas Zeļļi in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League. With a successful career in the sport, he has showcased exceptional talent and dedication on the court. Meiers has earned a reputation for his versatility, strong defensive play, and scoring ability, making him a valuable asset to his team. His consistent performance and leadership qualities have solidified his position as a key player in the league.

Arkadij Naiditsch is a prominent chess grandmaster with a diverse international career. He has represented multiple countries throughout his professional life, including Latvia, Germany, Azerbaijan, and currently Bulgaria. Known for his strategic skills and competitive spirit, Naiditsch has achieved significant success in various chess tournaments and championships. His adaptability and talent have earned him respect within the global chess community. Naiditsch continues to showcase his expertise and dedication to the game, making him a respected figure in the world of professional chess.

Jānis Porziņģis had a successful professional basketball career playing as a small forward. He was known for his versatility on the court and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Throughout his career, he showcased strong skills in shooting, passing, and rebounding. Jānis was respected for his work ethic and leadership qualities, serving as a role model for his teammates. His impact on the game was felt through his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.

Martins Licis is an American professional strongman known for his impressive victories in prestigious competitions such as the World's Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Rogue Invitational. He has made history by being only the fourth strongman to win both the World's Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic titles. Licis also holds multiple world records in various strongman events, showcasing his exceptional strength and skill in disciplines like the Steinborn squat, Saxon bar deadlift, one arm grip lift, loading stones, arm over arm pull, and Conan's Wheel of Pain.

Oskars Melbārdis is a former Latvian bobsledder with a successful career that spanned from 2006 to his retirement. He is renowned as the most accomplished bobsledder in Latvian history, having secured one gold and two bronze Olympic medals. Melbārdis also made history by clinching Latvia's first-ever gold medal at the World Championships in Igls, in addition to claiming one silver and two bronze medals during the period of 2009-2015. His achievements have solidified his legacy as a top athlete in the sport of bobsledding.

Kitija Laksa is a Latvian professional basketball player who has played for Fenerbahçe in the Women's Basketball Super League and EuroLeague Women, as well as the Latvian national team. She previously played for the South Florida Bulls in the US before signing with TTT Riga in Latvia. Laksa was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the 2020 WNBA draft but did not play in the 2020 season and was later waived by the team in 2021. As of the 2024 season, she has yet to make her WNBA debut.

Artūrs Kulda is a skilled Latvian professional ice hockey player currently playing for EC VSV in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). Known for his strong defensive abilities and leadership on the ice, Kulda has established himself as a valuable asset to his team. With a successful career marked by consistent performance and dedication to his craft, he has earned a reputation as a reliable defenseman. His contributions to the sport have made him a respected figure in the hockey community.

Rebeka Koha is a highly accomplished weightlifter from Latvia who has achieved remarkable success in her career. With a background as a two-time Junior World Champion and two-time European Champion, she competes in the 58 kg and 59 kg divisions, showcasing her exceptional strength and skill on the international stage. Under the guidance of renowned coach Eduards Andruškevičs, she has honed her abilities and achieved significant victories, including winning prestigious competitions like the Qatar Cup and West Asian Championships. Rebeka's dedication and talent have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the sport of weightlifting.

Anete Jēkabsone-Žogota is a retired Latvian basketball player who had a successful professional career. She played for various teams including Dynamo Moscow, USO Mondeville, and CJM Bourges Basket. Jēkabsone-Žogota represented Latvia in major tournaments such as EuroBasket Women 2007 and the 2008 Olympics, where she showcased her scoring and playmaking abilities. In 2009, she joined the Connecticut Sun of the Women's National Basketball Association as a free agent, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile player.

Vladimir Bagirov was a prominent Soviet-Latvian chess player, author, and trainer known for his significant contributions to the world of chess. He participated in numerous USSR Championships, achieving notable success in his debut in 1960. Bagirov's coaching prowess was evident in his work with legendary players Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov, guiding them to greatness in the chess world. He was also recognized as the world senior champion in 1998, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the realm of chess.

Tomass Dukurs is a prominent Latvian skeleton racer with a career spanning over two decades. He made his competitive debut in 1998 and has participated in three Winter Olympics. Known for his skill and determination, Dukurs achieved notable success by finishing fourth in the men's skeleton event at both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Games. His consistent presence in top-tier competitions showcases his talent and dedication to the sport, making him a respected figure in the world of skeleton racing.

Līga Dekmeijere is a retired Latvian tennis player known for her success in doubles competition. With one WTA doubles title and 20 ITF Women's Circuit doubles titles, she has showcased her skills on the court. Achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 287 and a doubles ranking of No. 54, Dekmeijere has proven her talent in the sport. Her notable victory came at the 2008 Cachantún Cup alongside partner Alicja Rosolska. Additionally, representing Latvia in the Fed Cup, she holds a win-loss record of 14-16.

Sanita Pušpure is a highly accomplished professional rower, having secured back-to-back world championships in the women's single scull in 2018 and 2019. She initially represented Latvia at a junior level before transitioning to compete for Ireland, gaining full Irish nationality in 2011. Despite not winning a medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she qualified for the event in 2016. Currently, she serves as the head coach of UCC Rowing Club in Cork, Ireland, showcasing her commitment to the sport beyond her own achievements.

Dana Reizniece-Ozola is a prominent figure in Latvian politics and the chess world. She has held various significant roles, including managing director of FIDE, minister of Economics, and minister of Finance in Latvia, and member of multiple Saeima terms. In chess, she achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster and currently serves as vice-president of the European Chess Union. Her professional life showcases a successful blend of strategic decision-making in politics and intellectual prowess in the realm of chess.

Jānis Daliņš was a prominent Latvian race walker known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He made history by winning a silver medal in the 50 km event at the 1932 Olympics, marking the first Olympic medal for Latvia. Daliņš continued his success by claiming the 1934 European title and setting seven world records throughout the 1930s. Despite facing challenges like a leg injury at the 1936 Olympics, his dedication and talent solidified his reputation as a respected figure in race walking.

Larisa Neiland is a renowned tennis coach and former professional player who excelled in representing both the Soviet Union and Latvia. With a remarkable career, she achieved the status of world No. 1 doubles player, clinching six Grand Slam titles, including two in women's doubles and four in mixed doubles. Throughout her time on the WTA Tour, Neiland attained two singles titles and an impressive 63 doubles titles. She holds the fourth position for the most doubles match wins in WTA history and currently coaches Ukrainian tennis player Daria Snigur.

Baiba Bendika is a Latvian biathlete who made her Biathlon World Cup debut in 2011. Throughout her career, she has achieved notable successes, including her first Top 10 finish during the 2015–16 World Cup season. Bendika has consistently performed well in various competitions, earning World Cup points and achieving impressive rankings. She represented Latvia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in both the Biathlon Women's sprint and Women's 4 × 5 kilometre relay events. Notably, she clinched third place in the Single Mixed Relays at the BMW IBU World Cup in Nové Město na Moravě, contributing to a historic relay podium for Latvia.

Žanis Peiners is a skilled Latvian basketball player known for his versatility as a shooting guard-small forward. Standing at 2.05 meters tall, he has demonstrated his prowess on the court through his scoring ability and defensive skills. Peiners has garnered recognition for his professional approach to the game, contributing to his team's success with his sharp shooting and strategic play. With a strong work ethic and dedication to improving his game, he continues to make a significant impact in the world of professional basketball.

Jānis Blūms is a retired Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility in playing both point guard and shooting guard positions. Standing at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in), he showcased exceptional skills on the court throughout his career. Blūms also held the prestigious role of captain for the Latvia national team, demonstrating leadership and dedication to the sport. His contributions to the basketball world have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a respected figure in the industry.

Alexander Petersson is a professional handball player from Latvia, now representing Iceland. He plays for Valur and was a key member of the Icelandic national team for over 15 years. With an impressive career spanning from 2005 to 2021, he has showcased his skills in 186 games. Alexander's talent and dedication to the sport have earned him recognition, including being named the Icelandic Sportsperson of the Year in 2010. He is known for his Latvian and Baltic German heritage, adding to his unique background in the world of handball.

Andris Šics is a former Latvian luger who had a successful career in the sport. He competed in multiple Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in the men's doubles event in 2010 and two bronze medals in 2014 alongside his brother. He also achieved success at the FIL World Luge Championships, earning six medals including two silvers and four bronzes. Additionally, he performed well at the FIL European Luge Championships, securing a total of 15 medals with a mix of gold, silver, and bronze finishes.

Mārtiņš Karsums is a Latvian professional ice hockey right winger, currently playing for MHk 32 Liptovský Mikuláš in the Slovak Extraliga. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Over his career, Karsums has played in the National Hockey League for the Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Known for his speed and scoring ability, he has gained experience at the highest levels of professional hockey, showcasing his talent and skill on both domestic and international stages.

Dainis Krištopāns is a standout Latvian handball player known for his exceptional height and strength. He currently plays for MT Melsungen and competes for the Latvian national team. Standing at an impressive 215 cm and weighing 135 kg, he is recognized as one of the tallest players in the sport. Krištopāns has showcased his skills on an international level, representing Latvia at prestigious events such as the 2020 European Men's Handball Championship. His professional career is marked by a dedication to excellence and a strong commitment to success.

Kristīne Vītola is a professional Latvian basketball player who currently plays for the Olympiacos WBC team and represents the Latvian national team. She has showcased her skills on an international platform by participating in prestigious events like the EuroBasket Women 2017. Vītola's dedication and talent have earned her a place in both club and national teams, where she continues to excel in the sport. With her strong presence on the court and contributions to her teams, she has established herself as a valuable player in the world of basketball.

Jānis Sprukts had a successful professional ice hockey career as a forward, playing in various leagues and teams throughout his tenure. Known for his skill and versatility on the ice, he made significant contributions to his teams with his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Sprukts demonstrated leadership qualities both on and off the ice, earning recognition for his dedication and commitment to the sport. His experience and expertise in professional hockey made him a valuable asset to any team he played for, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Ģirts Karlsons had a successful professional football career as a forward, representing various clubs in Latvia and abroad. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and skill on the field, he played a significant role in his team's offensive strategies. Throughout his career, Karlsons earned a reputation for his dedication, hard work, and leadership qualities. He was admired by fans for his passion for the game and his ability to contribute to his team's success through his performance on the pitch.

Jānis Lidmanis was a versatile athlete who excelled in both football and basketball. He was a key player for the Latvia national football team in the 1930s, serving as captain and making 55 appearances. Lidmanis played for the top Riga club, Rīgas FK, and was known for his skills as a midfielder and his expertise in taking corner-kicks. He also represented Latvia in EuroBasket 1935. After immigrating to Germany in 1944, he eventually settled in Australia, where he continued to be involved in sports until his passing in 1986.

Patrīcija Eiduka is a successful cross-country skier from Latvia who began skiing at a young age. She has represented Latvia at prestigious events such as the Winter Olympics, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Eiduka has competed in multiple disciplines including the Women's 10 kilometre classical, Women's 30 kilometre freestyle, Women's 15 kilometre skiathlon, Women's sprint, and Women's 4 × 5 kilometre relay, demonstrating her versatility and skill as an athlete on the international stage.

Rihards Lomažs is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He currently plays for Virtus Bologna in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and competes in the prestigious EuroLeague. Lomažs has showcased his talent and versatility as a valuable asset to his team, contributing to their success in competitive matches. His dedication to the sport and hard work have earned him a reputable status in the basketball community, making him a player to watch in the professional basketball scene.

Kaspars Bērziņš is a skilled Latvian professional basketball player known for his contributions both on the court and as a member of the senior Latvian national team. With an impressive career marked by talent and dedication, he has demonstrated his abilities in various competitions. Bērziņš has showcased his versatility and commitment to the sport, earning recognition for his achievements and making a positive impact on the teams he represents. His presence has been influential in the realm of professional basketball, contributing significantly to the sport's growth and development.

Angelīna Kučvaļska is a highly accomplished Latvian figure skater with numerous championships and accolades to her name. She has showcased her talent and skill on both national and international stages, consistently performing well in various competitions. With multiple championship titles and impressive placements in ISU Championships, Angelīna has established herself as a formidable figure in the world of figure skating. Her dedication, hard work, and exceptional performances have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the sport.

Rolands Freimanis is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility at the power forward and center positions. He currently competes for Gaziantep Basketbol in the Türkiye Basketbol Ligi (TBL), showcasing his skills on the court. With a strong presence in the frontcourt, Freimanis contributes defensively and offensively, making him a valuable asset to his team. His athleticism, basketball IQ, and work ethic have helped him establish himself as a reliable player in the professional basketball world.

Aleksandrs Samoilovs is a renowned beach volleyball player from Latvia. He gained international recognition when he and former teammate Mārtiņš Pļaviņš achieved a historic victory at the 2008 Summer Olympics by defeating the number 2 seed. After parting ways with Pļaviņš, Samoilovs continued his successful career by teaming up with Ruslans Sorokins for the 2012 Olympics. Currently, he is partnering with Jānis Šmēdiņš, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the sport of beach volleyball on the global stage.

Diāna Ņikitina is a retired Latvian figure skater known for her achievements in various international competitions. She has won titles such as the 2017 Golden Bear of Zagreb champion, the 2018 Cup of Tyrol silver medalist, and the 2018 Latvian national champion. Notably, she competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang where she placed 26th. Earlier in her career, Ņikitina demonstrated her talent by achieving top-ten placements at two World Junior Championships and securing a silver medal in the team event at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics.

Ineta Radēviča is a retired Latvian athlete known for her achievements in long jump and triple jump. She won several championships, including a bronze medal in the European U-23 championship and a gold medal at the European Championships. Radēviča also competed in the Olympics, finishing in various positions. Her career was marked by both successes and controversies, such as posing for Playboy magazine and facing doping disqualifications. She retired from professional athletics to focus on her family after realizing her Olympic medal dream was unlikely to materialize.

Iļja Vestermans was a talented Latvian football forward of Jewish origin. He played for the Riga Jewish community sports club Hakoah and represented Latvia in international matches. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, Vestermans scored 13 goals in 23 appearances for the national team. He also played for clubs in Austria, Paris, and the United States. His career saw him compete in the 1938 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, where he made significant contributions to Latvia's success on the field.

Jānis Bērziņš is a skilled Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility and expertise as a small forward. Currently showcasing his talent for Kalev/Cramo in the Korvpalli Meistriliiga, he stands tall at 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in). With a strong presence on the court, Bērziņš is recognized for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ. His dedication to the game and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for, contributing significantly to their success.

Piotr Ugrumov is a former Russian-Latvian professional road racing cyclist who competed for Latvia post-Soviet Union dissolution. His professional career spanned from 1989 to 1999, during which he secured ten victories. Notably, he finished second at the 1994 Tour de France and placed in the Top 10 in seven Grand Tours between 1990 and 1996. Ugrumov, residing in Italy since 1989, transitioned to Latvian citizenship in 2005 after initially holding Russian citizenship.

Alexander Anatolyevich Shabalov is a distinguished American chess grandmaster known for his impressive achievements in the United States Chess Championship and the U.S. Open Chess Championship. With a remarkable track record of four wins in the US Chess Championship and multiple first-place finishes in the US Open Chess Championship, Shabalov has established himself as a prominent figure in the American chess scene. His strategic prowess and consistent performance have earned him a respected reputation among fellow chess players and enthusiasts.

Ričards Bolotņiks is a respected Latvian professional boxer known for his impressive career in the light-heavyweight division. He gained recognition for holding the WBO European light-heavyweight title from 2019 to 2022, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring. Throughout his professional life, Bolotņiks has faced numerous opponents, displaying his talent, strategic prowess, and dedication to the sport. His achievements in the boxing world have solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor and a force to be reckoned with in the ring.

Roberts Štelmahers is a Latvian professional basketball coach and former player known for his expertise as a point guard. He enjoyed a successful career as a member of the Latvia national basketball team from 1992 to 2005, participating in multiple EuroBasket final tournaments. With a total of 144 games played for his national team, Štelmahers has showcased his skills on both the national and international stage. In his most recent role, he served as the head coach for Lietkabelis Panevėžys in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL).

Natalia Lashchenova is a retired Soviet gymnast known for her exceptional performance at the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 1989 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. She gained recognition for her challenging skills, deceptive power, strong technique, and expressive dance. Throughout her professional career, Lashchenova showcased remarkable talent and dedication to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the gymnastics world. Her legacy as a highly skilled and expressive athlete continues to inspire gymnasts and fans alike, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the sport's history.