David Gilman

David Gilman is one of only two Americans who has competed for the United States in two sports at the Olympic Games, the other being Art Longsjo, Jr. . In addition to his Winter Olympic appearances in 1976 and 1984, Gilman competed in canoeing at the 1976 Olympics and also made the team in 1980, competing that year at the World Championships. In kayak canoe, Gilman was US K1 champion in 1976, and won the US title in 1979 in K2. He was introduced to luge by Bonny Warner, who also made the 1984 Olympic team in that sport. David’s sister, Marietta, is also a successful canoeist, winning two gold medals in he mixed C-2 with Chuck Lyda at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 1975 and 1977.

Gilman graduated from UCLA in 1977 with a degree in kinesiology. He swam and played water polo in high school and college. He later was in the military, serving as a captain in 1984, and in 1983 was named the military athlete of the year.