Like a victim in a medieval torture device, a series of ropes suspends cross-country skier Dasha Gaiazova above the floor at LifeWorks gym.
The tip of her nose measures eight inches above the floor, as her hands and feet are strapped into a series of belts attached to a metal structure.
In a sudden burst of strength, she thrusts her legs and arms downward, pushing her torso skyward, repeating the motion six times before she is allowed to rest. These super atomic push-ups have become a staple of the Olympic skier’s training regime, transforming her into a contender on the world cup circuit.
The Banff cross-country skier is enjoying a stellar season, as years of training, a positive attitude and focus are translating into strong world cup results.
“It’s the best season of my life. The highlight was the bronze medal in the relay with Chandra (Crawford). It was an amazing day and there’s still half a season to go, " Gaiazova said.
She also cracked the top 10 with an eighth-place finish earlier this season, and has big goals for the upcoming world championships in Oslo, Norway with the rest of the Canadian team.
“A top 12 individual finish would be amazing, but a top 20 would also be great, " Gaiazova said. “Everyone is working so well together, and we’re feeding off each other’s success. "
Gaiazova’s double poling has truly emerged as a strength this season, and helped her earn the eighth-place finish in Estonia last month. Strength training with techniques such as power suspension lunges and super atomic push-ups twice a week during the season have propelled her results forward, earning her a reputation on the circuit as a powerful skier and feared sprinter. For four years, she worked to perfect her double poling technique.
“I’ve known it was something I could get better at. I’ve worked at it and fast starts and motor skills. I’ll go to the park with my boyfriend and we’ll kick the ball around, working on reaction time. "
She’s one of the only Canadian athletes in the country with a personal strength trainer, as she’s been working with Neil Fox at LifeWorks thanks to a sponsorship deal.
Her first world cup medal is a direct result of teamwork, as she and Crawford blazed into the bronze earlier this winter in Dusseldorf, Germany. The team is a constant threat, with Gaiazova starting off and Crawford anchoring the squad, however head coach Justin Wadsworth could switch that order.
Gaiazova said the decision is ultimately Wadsworth’s, and she’ll be happy in either role.
“Chandra and I have been training together for nine years. We know each other so well and are used to one another. We’re completely different styles. "
While Crawford is often found in the yoga studios, blazing trails with boyfriend Devon Kershaw and hanging out with friends in Canmore, Gaiazova prefers to visit art shows, museums and jazz concerts with her architect boyfriend.
“I tell my teammates what I’m up to and they look at me and ask 'are you crazy?’ " Gaiazova laughs. “I try and visit the Glenbow and the Whyte museum when I can. I’m really excited about the Bruce Cockburn concert coming up. "
While the success at this point is welcome, the Russian-born skier’s ultimate goal is to contend at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Socchi.
“It’s in the country where I was born, so it’s special for me. "
There isn’t much separating her from contending for a podium spot at the world cup.
“I have to work on mental toughness and work on little things with my fitness, " Gaiazova said. “Right now, the specifics are a little vague, but they’ll be clearer as we get closer. "
Planning is key for Gaiazova as well, and she credits Wadsworth for adding more structure to her training regime. She says the first year coach is the reason for the team’s success this year.
“With Justin, there’s a good plan and purpose to everything we do. There are clear expectations, and that has helped everyone, " Gaiazova said.
Gaiazova moved to Banff six years ago, and has received tremendous support from the community, from rides back and forth from Banff to Canmore with the Banff Airporter to support from Caribou Properties. She’s also joined the Banff seniors walking program, taking leisurely strolls with the seniors in the summer.
“They give me so much love and encouragement and support, and it’s nice to give back to the community, " Gaiazova said.
“Training is really hard work, but having support is so important, and I feel I’ve been supported the whole way by the community, " Gaiazova.
Bow Valley residents may get a chance to see Gaiazova at the Canadian national championships in March. She’d love to compete, however, she’s unsure at this moment if it will happen.
“It will be a last minute thing, " Gaiazova said.
