When you’re 21 years old and you’ve just made your Winter Olympics debut, it can be hard to find time to pursue a second career outside of sport, or even prepare for a possible career after retirement. And yet, national cross-country skiing team member Lars Young Vik is just one of many examples of athletes who successfully juggle their training and competition with a part-time job or an education.
The Australian Cross Country Team has recorded its best ever Nordic World Junior and U23 Championships campaign, with a record number of top-30 performances, plus career-best results.
23-year-old Steve de Campo has led home the four-man Australian contingent in the gruelling 15km classic in ideal conditions at the Zhangjiakou Cross Country Skiing Centre
Jess Yeaton and Casey Wright took to the National Cross Country Centre in Zhangjiakou for the 10km classical ski event, with Jess finishing 51st and Casey 67th out of 98 competitors.
Phil Bellingham, at his third Olympic Games and the senior member of the Australian cross-country team, was the fastest and best placed Aussie in the sprint freestyle qualifying.
Fourteen athletes from 10 different sports are joining together as ambassadors for the inaugural AIS Thrive with Pride program, which aims to provide safe and inclusive sporting environments for all athletes to thrive.