Outstanding Latvians who carry the name of the Motherland to the world

Today, when Latvia celebrates its Independence Day, let’s mark this day in the calendar with gratitude. And we have a lot to be thankful for. I believe that for every Latvian, near and far, the list of answers is impressive.

However, it is undeniable that the heart of Latvia is its people. That is why, on this significant May 4th, we will look at who are the Latvians who carry the name of Latvia in the wide world and for whom it is worth taking off our hats.

Needless to say, there is a whole constellation of Latvians. Besides, I am sure that four evenings of stories would not be enough for us to honor them all at the Freedom Monument.

Raymond Paul

Maestro. There is no other such in Latvia and there will not be. This belief is shared by many, because it is not for nothing that every concert in which Raymond Pauls delights with his mastery is met with unceasing applause and standing ovations.

I believe that Raymond Paul’s music will live the life of the sun, because it is already admired and respected by several generations all over the wide world.

Andris Nelsons

A conductor who brings his and Latvia’s name brilliantly to the world. And a conductor whose CV would already have several documentaries that would serve as a breath of inspiration for those who tirelessly go towards their goals.

Nelson has received a Grammy Award for his recording of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This is just one of the fruits of labor.

“Brainstorm”

Let’s continue to the sound of music. The domestic group has gained special love. Countless thousands gather in stadiums to sing along to Renard Cowper. They have performed concert tours outside their homeland because they are loved in the world.

A real phenomenon, someone just thought of it and we can agree with it, because not everyone manages to keep the friendships made during school and build a music empire. Only a rare one succeeds. The brainiacs have succeeded and continue to succeed.

Laima Vaikule

Her timbre and charisma do not require comments. For many years, she has led her life away from Latvia, but she does not hide her Latvian roots and love. On the contrary. Appreciate. An example of this is her own festival in Jūrmala, which takes place at the end of July and will take place this year as well.

The Laima Vaikule festival “Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala” is at the highest level and has won worldwide recognition, as guests from faraway countries come to enjoy it.

Uldis Rebellion

Uldis Dumpis is a long-time National Theater actor who is now resting in retirement. It is also known that the former director of the National Theater Ojars Rubenis did not let him go and dissuaded him, even though the actor had already submitted his resignation twice. This proves his talent.

It is a pleasure to be able to enjoy his acting skills in various films that have won the love of the people not only in Latvia, but also outside the borders, reminding Latvians of the world of home.

The most famous ones are “Limousine in the color of Midsummer night”, “Pūt, vējini!”, “Long road in the dunes” and “Emīl’s troubles”.

Kristaps Porzingis

The name of the basketball player Porzingis is known to both adults and children. He has 1.5 million followers on Instagram alone, which is one of the indicators that the whole world will continue to follow his career. Porzingis currently represents the Boston Celtics team.

Thanks to Kristaps Porzingis, foreigners and his fans have repeatedly searched for where Latvia is.

Martin Dukur

The titular skeletonist in the world is Martin Dukur, who ended his career at the age of 38.

During his career, the Latvian became Olympic vice-champion twice, world champion six times, and European champion 12 times. In the World Cup competitions, Martins Dukurs climbed to the podium 90 times and won 61 victories. However, Dukurs has been undefeated in the World Cup standings for 11 seasons.

This is a statistic recorded in history. Moreover, so permanently that his star shines in the constellation of world sports.

Maris Štrombergs

Currently, the legendary Latvian BMX athlete Māras Štromberg spends his daily life in the USA with his family, but the athlete does not forget about Latvia.

Once in an interview, Štrombergs said: “It is easier to compete outside of Latvia than at home. It’s hard to say why. Matches held in Latvia are usually not of such a large scale, but the sense of responsibility is much greater.”

And this Latvian observation is the answer to the connection with home. Achievements are also noteworthy. He is the champion of two Olympic Games. In addition, the athlete has not lacked appreciation at home either – in 2008 and 2012, he became Latvia’s athlete of the year and was awarded the “Three Star Award”.

Harry Vitolins

There is no doubt that the Latvian Harijs Vītoliņš is one of the idols of the 21st century. This is because in 2023, Vītoliņš, together with his dream team, gave a gift to Latvia, leading the Latvian hockey team to the World Hockey Championship and taking the high third place.

Bronze medals for Latvian athletes will serve as a testimony of history, and for compatriots as an achievement that Latvia can be proud of.

In the context of the world, this is and will remain an ambitious success that has left memories for all world hockey fans.

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