Mara Anderson
Samo Furlan, coach for the Russian alpine team, tells us about excellent training in Ushuaia. He informs Ski Racing Media that since the beginning of the season, the team has completed five training camps in Russia. And while both the ski and fitness programs were productive, it is ultimately necessary to go abroad and compare with other skiers to truly train effectively.
Training in Ushuaia
This reality has again brought the Russians to Ushuaia, the team’s late summer training base for the past ten years. Furlan further explains that they have always experienced excellent training conditions and professional, friendly staff in Ushuaia. He also adds that the people at Ushuaia have always been happy to help the Russian team organize and provide the necessary support and resources for high-quality training.
Staying positive on the slopes
While Furlan is Slovenian, he is acutely aware of the Russian team’s challenges concerning upcoming competitions. He remarks, “We all hope for a positive FIS decision regarding our ski racing status this season. We are trying to stay motivated and focused on the sport.”
They plan to stay and train in Ushuaia for five weeks, almost until the end of the Argentinian ski season. The camp has eight athletes from the men’s technical team, including Khoroshilov, Andrienko, and Kuznetsov, as well as the women’s downhill racer Julija Pleshkova.
A continuing controversy in the world of skiing
Some say politics and sports are separate issues that do not need to be mixed and that the athletes come in peace to compete on the sports stage. Others might blur the line between sports and politics. But it does seem that the unifying power of sports is of great comfort for many.
Furlan remarks, “Sports is what connects people, and we all hope it will stay like this in the future.” The team is using this time to train, connect, and socialize with fellow athletes to maintain close relationships with their skiing friends
