Roswell's Germaine Hopes to Win World Cup Medal, Go To Olympics

Roswell Patch recently caught up with student, Germaine placed 14th, the second highest placing American for the girls luge team. Following the games, Germaine, 17, was selected from hundreds of Olympic athletes to light the torch during the Empire State Games, Feb. 2-5, in Lake Placid where she trains.

"This is a huge honor, especially for such a young Olympic athlete like Raychel," Joe Maurer, USA Luge spokesman, told Roswell Patch.

Here's what Raychel had to say about going to the Youth Olympics and her favorite place to eat when she's at home.

Q: Congrats on your recent appearance at the Winter Youth Olympics! How was the experience?

A: It was pretty cool, it was a really neat experience to mix all the countries together and mingle with all the different athletes. At these events it's rare to do that.

Q: What's are your hopes for your future in luge?

A: The real Olympics! My ultimate goal is to win a World Cup medal and then an Olympic medal. Hopefully I can turn this into a career.

Q: How does a Southern girl get started in a cold weather sport?!    

A: My Dad got me interested in it. He use to be on the the team in the 80s. He was on the senior team and raced in the World Cup, in doubles.

Q: I imagine it's both exciting and difficult to deal with all the training and traveling; how do you balance being a high school student and competitive athlete?

A: It's extremely exciting traveling and it's a great experience! Knowing all this, I really focus on my school work and keep everything up to date. My sister, is a teacher so she does a great job keeping me on track with all my school work.

Q: Favorite thing to do when you're here at home in Roswell?

A: I like to go to concerts with my friends. I love spending time with my family whenever I'm home. Being home I can eat whatever I want, [but] Steak & Shake is my favorite!