USABS athletes were given a Lifestraw Go Water Filter Bottle by LifeStraw for the Olympic test event in October, which was sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation and was the first international competition at the Yanqing National Sliding Center.

The event was used as a measuring stick for the Winter Olympics, with many of the same COVID-19 protocols in place as will be installed at Beijing 2022.

Germany secured a clean-sweep of the gold medals, winning the men's and women's skeleton, women's monobob, two-woman bobsleigh, two-man bobsleigh and four-man bobsleigh titles.

The bottles featured the LifeStraw filter, which is tested by independent labs to meet drinking water protocols established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The filters are made of hollow fibre membrane technology, consisting of small straws that contain microscopic pores of 0.2 microns in diameter, blocking harmful parasites, bacteria and other contaminants.

"Having the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles with us in China was a game-changer for us," said United States bobsleigh head coach Mike Kohn. 

"We never had to buy plastic bottles or search for drinking water, because we always had access to safe drinking water with the LifeStraw bottle. 

"It allowed us to focus on what we were there to do, which was to learn the track in preparation for February."

LifeStraw chief executive Alison Hill added: "We are so pleased to be able to support the USA Bobsled and Skeleton team during their training and competition

"We know how critical hydration is for athletes and we are proud to be able to offer an alternative to sourcing plastic water bottles, while also keeping everyone healthy and safe. 

"Best of luck to the team! 

"We look forward to watching them compete."

LifeStraw was introduced in 2005 and provides safe water for a child in need for a year for every product purchased.

The Beijing 2022 bobsleigh and skeleton competition is due to take place at the Yanqing National Sliding Center, where athletes will enter the same "closed-loop management system" they participated in for the test event as strict Chinese restrictions against COVID-19 remain in place.

The Winter Olympics are due to take place from February 4 to 20 next year.