About the organization of competitions
We have been suspended from international competitions for two years. We need reforms and new approaches.
In cross-country skiing, I would like to see an organizational system similar to that of football. The best skiers must compete for professional clubs. In practice, we already have something similar: skiers from the three or four most advanced regions in terms of support take the lion’s share of the medals. All that remains is to formalize this “major league”. 20-30 of the best men and women should take part in such competitions – this is what television can “digest” on broadcast, and this is what many ski stadiums and hotels near the slopes can accommodate. It would be logical if first-class athletes and young masters of sports qualified for such a “major league” at regional competitions.
At the same time, some competitions (be it a national championship) can be held as they are now – for everyone. I absolutely can’t believe that running the same race as me and finishing in 50th place, five minutes behind, could do anything for a young skier, but give her that chance. Coming back to the football comparison, it’s like the National Cup, every regional team has a chance to play Zenit and even win. In theory, at least.
Stadiums and tracks
A good ski slope is much more difficult and expensive than simply leveling the snow with a snow groomer.
We have the best songs in the world, no reservations required. I specify: ski slopes for professional competitions. This is a combination of the hard work of excellent specialists in their preparation, the interest of local authorities/sponsors and the good weather. In continental Europe, last season there was no more or less suitable snow cover up to 1500 meters above sea level, the equipment sellers were a total failure. And in our country the season is from October to May, if you really want it. I write from Kirovsk – there are still thousands of skiers here on the slopes, and the flight from Moscow is only an hour and a half, from St. Petersburg even less.
This season we have a luxurious ski stadium in Kazan, new rounds in Malinovka, a new uphill race format in Kirovsk. I think it’s really great in that regard.
But I don’t understand: when will the mixed relay races, the most interesting type of program? What’s stopping you?
Media
In cross-country skiing, there is only one media worthy of the name: . Judge for yourself, more people see a broadcast of a race than read all online publications combined, by far. I have no advice or wishes for : they do everything competently, professionally and with interest, they do not stand still, they are developing, they attract commentators and freelancers for every taste.
At the same time, I do not see any evolution among journalist-writers. Telling about the course of races, long interviews about everything that is happening in the world – these are kind of ancient formats, and my colleagues have neither the time nor the means for something more interesting.
Bloggers? I don’t see any progress either. The only ski racing “blogger” worthy of the name is Dmitry Guberniev. If only because he has more subscribers than everyone else combined. His opinion, expressed on his own microblog, counts, has weight and often has consequences. Absolutely all other blogs, public pages, channels on ski racing are what we call “internoise” on television, background noise without meaning or consequence. I don’t like it, it annoys me, we need the interest of real opinion leaders. This winter, Ksenia Sobchak was seen skiing in Meshcherskoye – I’m waiting for her to be interested in our sport!
Spectators, fans, public
In the places where we are shown live – in Kazan, Tyumen, Malinovka, Kirovsk in Apatity – there are a lot of people on the tracks, racing this season is not boring at all. There are still not enough spectators in the stadiums, but there is progress, in Kirovsk for example. I once again emphasize the importance of television: people watch skiing better when they have the opportunity not only to see Bolshunov, but also to be included in the show. It’s good.
Once the race is over, I spend an average of half an hour signing autographs and taking selfies with fans. It’s sure to impress and will never get boring! The children draw posters, stick my photos on them and come to the races to support me. I will soon open a gallery of such works! I am happy that many teenagers like my image, style and behavior. It’s my aim. Thank you very much to all !
I give myself an A for the season, I won what I wanted to win. First of all, the relay races at the Spartakiad and the Russian Championship and the skiathlon at the same Spartakiad, the main start of the season.
You just have to understand that all my victories are team victories. Teamwork of coaches, doctors, massage therapists, ski soldiers. And I go out and implement my plans and projects.
My main personal strengths are discipline and total focus on results. And also trust in yourself, in your choices and decisions. Helps you get a good night’s sleep before the race.
We must also remember that this season is only a stage of preparation for the 2026 Olympic Games. Everything is going as planned, Sorin and his team have worked very hard on me and not only on me. Pursue.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
