BREAKING: Larry Sidney, a determined athlete from Lake Tahoe, is back on the curling ice just months after a life-changing lower leg amputation in 2024. The financial adviser and athlete is adapting to his new reality with a stick, pushing the rock down the ice rather than gliding on his knee. This comeback highlights the spirit of resilience and determination that defines Sidney’s journey.
Sidney, who previously competed in skeleton racing and aimed for Olympic glory, is now channeling that same passion into curling at the Lake Tahoe Epic Curling club in Stateline. The transition comes after a challenging period marked by a severe health scare that led to the amputation due to a tumor in his leg. Despite the drastic change, Sidney is focused on his recovery and remains excited to return to the sport he loves.
“Curling feels different now, but I’m just happy to be back on the ice,” Sidney stated. His journey through sports has equipped him with the grit to navigate life’s challenges.
Sidney’s athletic prowess was evident as he sped down the skeleton track at the Utah Olympic Park, where he initially faced fears but ultimately found exhilaration in high-speed competition. Having made a name for himself competing for Israel in both skeleton and curling, he was on the brink of Olympic qualification before his recent setback.
Sidney recalls, “My brother went down the track right before me, and there was no way I could bail.” His competitive spirit has been a driving force in his life, pushing him to tackle daunting challenges head-on.
In 2018, he participated in the Pyeongchang Olympics as an alternate for Israel’s skeleton team, an experience that deepened his commitment to sports. The journey has not only shaped his athletic career but has also instilled invaluable lessons of resilience, which he now shares with his children and youth curlers he coaches.
As Sidney transitions back into curling, he is setting sights on future competitions, including the Paralympics. “I’m optimistic about what lies ahead,” he expressed, emphasizing the emotional strength gained through sports.
The community around Lake Tahoe Epic Curling continues to rally behind Sidney, showcasing the bond formed in sports as both a support system and a source of motivation.
With his family by his side and a renewed sense of purpose, Sidney is determined to reclaim his athletic pursuits while enjoying everyday moments, like skiing with his children.
As Sidney gears up for the upcoming curling season, the sports community watches closely, inspired by his resilience and unwavering spirit. The journey from amputation to competition stands as a testament to human strength and the power of sports to heal and motivate.
Stay tuned for more updates on Larry Sidney’s inspiring comeback and his journey toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy as part of the Israeli Bobsled and Skeleton programs.
