His mother, Signe, was a figure skater, his father, Edvins, was a track cyclist for the USSR, and his older brother was involved in athletics.

In addition to speed skating, Silovs became involved in mountain biking, and in 2001 at age 15, he won the Latvian Junior Championship in that sport.

By 2003, he was competing successfully in regional events across eastern Europe, and he trained with several Belgian and French athletes over the next few years.

The following year, in 2008, he won the gold medal at the European Championship in short track when the competition was held in his home territory, in Ventspils, Latvia.

[2] In 2009, he attempted to defend the title but instead won the silver, losing to four-time champion Nicola Rodigari of Italy.

However, with no other Latvian athletes participating in the 2010 Olympic speed skating competitions, Silovs was able to make both teams for his country.