Latvian firefighters win gold and eight more medals at US world championship

Latvia’s firefighters returned from the world championship in Las Vegas with nine medals, including a gold, in a historic first appearance for the country, LSM reported.

Eight firefighter-rescuers and their supporters arrived home on Wednesday. The Latvian team competed from October 19 to 24 at a championship that brought together firefighters from 21 countries.

Annemarija Rivča, a senior inspector with the Riga Regional Board, won the world title and gold medal. Competitors ran up a tower and moved heavy objects while wearing full equipment, with results decided by time. Rivča was the fastest in the world.

“It was pleasing. I’m glad I didn’t train for nothing,” Rivča said. She won medals in individual events, tandems and team events. Latvia also took four silver and four bronze medals across those competitions.

Rivča said competitors from the United States had learned a few Latvian words and cheered her on with “Aiziet! Aiziet!” She has taken a week off to rest after the competition.