Ustiugov deserves Olympic medal more than anybody else in cross-country skiing  – as a compensation for the  2018 Olympics that never happened in his career – Markus Cramer

Ustiugov deserves Olympic medal more than anybody else in cross-country skiing – as a compensation for the 2018 Olympics that never happened in his career – Markus Cramer

Leaders, Newsfeed
There will be an Olympic debut like no other in the Olympic Sprint competitions on Tuesday. Well, technically Sergey Ustiugov had his first Olympic race 8 years ago in Sochi where then-21 year old was one of the hot Sprint favorites. But the chaos in the Sprint finals with many a fall led to Ustiugov tripping over a Swedish skier, breaking his pole and finishing - if you could call it that - a minute behind the winner, Ola Vigen Hattestad of Norway. Ustiugov hasn't started in any other race in Sochi. In the years between Sochi'14 and Pyeongchang'18 the Russian "Moose", as his domestic fans call him ,established himself as a dominant force in the international cross country skiing, winning anything from sprints to 50k and was gearing up…
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How much does it actually cost to prepare an Olympic champion? We talk to the man in the know

How much does it actually cost to prepare an Olympic champion? We talk to the man in the know

Money & Finance, Newsfeed
Markus Cramer needs no introduction. A "doyen du corps" of the international cross country skiing coaches " guild", the German specialist had a great career spanning decades with different national teams, Olympic gold medals under his belt and is currently at his 6th Winter Olympic Games. Who would be better placed to talk about the simple yet complicated for many question: How much does it cost to prepare an athlete who has a chance to win medal at the Olympics? "... Ah, it depends on many, many factors, of course, smiles Marcus, - but if you want to be serious and count everything - a minimum 150.000 euros needs to be budgeted. Per person, per season. To win, to have a realistic chance at the Olympic gold, an athlete absolutely…
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Yulia Stupak : childbirth gave me extra psychological  stability and confidence . Including for photos in bikini on Instagram

Yulia Stupak : childbirth gave me extra psychological stability and confidence . Including for photos in bikini on Instagram

Leaders, Newsfeed
Yulia Stupak (Belorukova) is not just one of the world's top skiers - unlike quite a few (many, alas), a 26 year old Russian is actively and consciously trying to expand the appeal of cross country skiing beyond the tight circle of hard-core fans. Be it through her marquee dancing on podiums or talking openly about childbearing & rearing for active international athlete. This is Part 1 of our recent conversation with Ms.Stupak: "..I’ve achieved quite a bit, won several important medals at a young age. After that I felt it’s time to start a family. My husband is 8 years older than me, he probably felt it even stronger. He told me: " You are very talented and you are only at the beginning of your sporting career. You…
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Ustiugov Tells His Fans He’s Got Severe Case Of Coronavirus, Faces Slow Recovery

Ustiugov Tells His Fans He’s Got Severe Case Of Coronavirus, Faces Slow Recovery

Leaders, Newsfeed
Sergei Ustiugov appeals to his fans via Instagram, telling them that he had a severe case of Covid-19 that stopped him from competing and even training in last few weeks. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIauZQVsTNR/?igshid=1au78krzaro9l In the post to his 84000 followers on the social network, the 28 year old ex-world champion says he fell ill in late October in Val Senales, Italy, and hasn't been able to restart proper training ever since as " body refused to adequately perceive the load and and each time I fell into a hole" The Russian wraps up by saying that he feels better now, undergone an extensive screening and is slowly starting to exercise properly, hoping to rejoin the team "soon".
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Markus Cramer: It’s Time For Change At FIS , Especially  Way It Handles International Competitions

Markus Cramer: It’s Time For Change At FIS , Especially Way It Handles International Competitions

Leaders, Newsfeed
...Markus Cramer never looses his cool, affable manner but neither is he ever been known for mincing his words. The coach who played such a decisive role in careers of Dario Cologna and Sergei Ustiugov can afford to be blunt. This time Mr.Cramer sounds frustrated and borderline angry about the upcoming season: - FIS has decided to go ahead with the World Cup season, with most of what was planned before remained on the schedule - but, of course, nobody could tell with any certainty whether it would happen as planned.1 -There is a lack of general understanding and guidance in What If? Ssituations. What if, say, 2-3 athletes would test positive at one of the WCup stage? How's the virus testing and , need be, isolation of a suspected/confirmed…
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