Natalia Nepryaeva, Part 2: I Live Effing Fantastic Life!

Natalia Nepryaeva, Part 2: I Live Effing Fantastic Life!

Leaders, Newsfeed
...Here's Part 2 of out conversation with Natalia Nepryaeva. "Conversation" is an instrumental word here - it was part interview, part open talk about the skiing world and those who live & compete in it. As most open conversations, it kinda lacked that structural rigidity expected of formal interview, was going back and forth on several subjects. Anyhow, it was fun and here's a gist of it :   [caption id="attachment_11975" align="alignnone" width="1920"] I live effing fantastic life! ( for the Russian language experts among you -  Natalia is using the word "охренненная" in her native tongue - effing is the best translation we could come up with ))) .  I do like the popularity that comes with victories, I do like that growing attention to myself. And it's not…
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Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen Gets Very Prestigious If Complicated New Job

Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen Gets Very Prestigious If Complicated New Job

Newsfeed
Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen is a new head of the Norwegian Sports Association's committee of athletes. Which, effectively, means she is a new official representative of all Norwegian sportsmen and women. With that title, an Olympic champion of PyeongChang 2018 also gins a seat on all-powerful Idrrettsstyret, a steering committee that determines the direction of sport development in the country as we all as financial means to fund that. A 32 year old had a good last season with several podiums at the World Cup and a silver at Worlds in Seefeld - she's been selected for the main national team for 2019/20 and there is no word of career ending . It would be interesting to see how Astrid combines her training schedule and that of her new , effectively…
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XC Skiing Massively Lucked Out With Klaebo Brothers

XC Skiing Massively Lucked Out With Klaebo Brothers

Leaders, Newsfeed
Yes, it did. In today's world, to be a champion in whatever sport is desperately not enough. Having a shy, reserved, introvert champion is detrimental to that sport's effort to stay in the media limelight and to attract investments/sponsorships. The august sport of cross country skiing has been lucky - its biggest star is also a true international fashion icon on the rise. But the king is made by his entourage. It looks like Ola Klaebo sacrificied his potential illustrious skiing career (his older brother's assessment) in order to help build Brand Klaebo. Talented families are often talented in many ways - Klaebo YouTube channel run by Ola is a great example of how so much could be achieved with so little investment ( but a lot of effort). Johannes…
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Natalia Nepryaeva: My Job Is To Force Myself To Do Things I Don’t Want To Do

Natalia Nepryaeva: My Job Is To Force Myself To Do Things I Don’t Want To Do

Leaders, Newsfeed
" Natalia's got quite a character". That's what you would hear a lot about the leader of the Russian ski team no matter who you talk to. Nepryaeva could be vocal, could be demanding on her teammates/staff, could be all too concentrated on her race to even smile back at the stranger's greetings. What a few know is that under that tough appearance is actually a fascinating human being: smart, well read, articulate and very, very focused on her goals. You just have to find the right moment to approach her... ....First things first, in a preamble to the interview, a 23 year old Russian Olympic and world medalist and a runner-up for the title of the World Cup winner 2018/19 sets the limits: " I don't want to talk…
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Italy Wins Right To Host 2026 Olympics, XC Skiing To Be Held In Val Di Fiemme

Italy Wins Right To Host 2026 Olympics, XC Skiing To Be Held In Val Di Fiemme

Leaders, Newsfeed
So, the best candidate prevailed. Italy gets the Olympics of 2026 and the cross country skiing races will take place at the Lago di Tesero Ski Stadium, Val di Fiemme From the official presentation of the Italian bid: "The choice of this venue is clearly justified by the amazing track record in hosting major events (including three world championships and a Winter Universiade) and in being one of the most versatile tracks at world level. An already perfectly-fitted and operated venue will be one of the major factors of attraction, with a capacity that is expected to welcome 30,000 people. The existing lighting system will also allow hosting night races" It's worth mentioning that one of the reasons the Swedish Olympic bid lost was " the lack of binding venue…
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