Alexei Sotskov is the new head coach for NSW/ACT XC

The NSW/ACT cross country training camp held over the June long weekend also marked the official start of Russia-born international coach Alexei Sotskov's role as head coach for NSW/ACT XC. 

Born in St Petersburg, Russia, Alexei Sotskov has been coaching in the USA for nearly 30 years, both at U.S. Ski Team and college level. Since mid-2020 he has been working with a number of the top junior skiers in Australia remotely, and has now finally started full-time with the team.

After relying on video-conferencing for so long, Sotskov could not hide his genuine joy and enthusiasm about finally meeting face to face the athletes and the rest of the team.

"I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I feel so happy to be with my crowd again!" Sotskov said. 

"I'd like to say a big thank you to the Australian cross country skiing community for giving me this opportunity."

In addition to running the XC program at Perisher throughout the winter, Sotskov will also work with the National Team in Europe over the northern winter and is set to lead the Australian Team to the 2022 World Junior Championships in Poland. 

His first in-person experience with the athletes of the team was positive and filled him with confidence for the work ahead. 

"The long weekend training camp demonstrated lots of potentials in many skiers - both National team members and up and coming juniors," Sotskov said.

"Also, being able to ski on real groomed snow in early June – what could be better for a Nordic skier?

"I am hopeful that I can help many of these athletes, if not all of them, to reach their athletic dreams.  In such an environment the sky is the limit. Game on!"