Three-time Olympian Ivan Babikov announced his retirement from cross-country skiing last week.
The Canmorite will now focus on his new career as a coach with the national ski team, Cross Country Ski de Fond Canada.
“I’m extremely excited. Coaching is something I have always targeted as a goal of mine when I was ready to stop competing,” said Babikov, 35, in a release.
Babikov and Louis Bouchard will lead the world cup team on the tracks to the 2018 Olympic Winter Games and beyond.
“It is my goal to share what I’ve learned and experienced throughout my career to help the younger athletes develop, and the top guys achieve excellence,” wrote Babikov. “I really care so much about all of the Canadian athletes, from the development to elite level, and the success of this program. I hope I can play a small role in this team of highly-dedicated coaches to help all of the athletes achieve their dreams.”
Babikov immigrated to Canada from Russia in 2003 to pursue his racing dreams after he was told by Russia’s ski federation that at 5-foot-6-inches, he was too small to become an elite racer. However, that did not deter Babikov and his dream.
He moved to Canmore while his wife and young family stayed behind in Russia. He found work at a local grocery store and at one point couldn’t even afford a new pair of running shoes.
But Babikov pressed forward with his dream and earned a spot on the Canadian team. It eventually led to his best result – fifth place at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in the pursuit race while he wore the maple leaf.
He received his Canadian citizenship in 2007 and became a full Canadian national ski team member in 2009, while living in Canmore with his wife and two children.
Babikov said the transition won’t be easy and it will be “tough” for him at first to be on the sidelines.
“(…) But I really can’t think of a better way for me to go out than having a really strong finish to the world cup season on home snow at the Ski Tour of Canada and working with a group of athletes that have been family for me since coming to Canada,” stated Babikov.
“Coaching has always been in my blood. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed spending time helping younger athletes. Realizing the end was near over the last year, I started providing more advice than normal to my teammates as well, which I think helped the guys with their preparation, so I’m excited for this next challenge.”
With files from Justin Brisbane
