Whoosh, See How They Fly! Russia Hosts International Skiing Event with Olympic Level Athletes
- Guest article by Aaron Christodoulou -
Last week, from February 29 to March 2, Russia’s Yaroslavl Oblast played host to the International Freestyle Champions Cup acrobatics competition at the Podolino Sports Complex as well as the Deminsky Ski Marathon.
These events featured competitors from Russia and Belarus, and some of the competitors even competed at the recent 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where, although they were forced to compete under an Olympic flag rather than the Russian flag, they still placed in the top ten of medal winners, and took home more silver and bronze than any other country in the top ten.
I had the opportunity to attend the event at Podolino.
Upon arrival, there was a carnival atmosphere. The scent of shashlik wafted around the complex as various kiosks sold refreshments and food, along with candy and keepsakes. A little up the slope one could find clowns dancing with a guy in a bear costume, who were eager to mime and interact with the crowd to great comedic effect. Competing sound systems pumped various types of music, so that one could find whatever they liked, from modern techno and club hits to remixes of classical Russian songs, and there was even an accordionist singing classic songs with a small group.
Children had a particularly good time, as there was plenty to see and do, and even small, bouncy castle like rides that they could go on.
If this had been the extent of the event, I would have been happy, but we have not even touched on the main event, which was heralded by a patriotic fireworks display.
This being my first time at such a competition, I was uncertain of what impression I would have as I am not particularly sporty. The website for the event promised “exciting stunts and dangerous elements.” I wondered how it might differ from what I had seen on TV. But as the competition got underway, I began to catch the excitement of the crowd as these high level athletes began to launch themselves into the air and flip and move in wild ways. Sometimes, you were nearly pelted by the snow kicked up by their skis. I realised there was a massive difference from simply seeing a stunt on TV and seeing it done live in front of you.
Prominent athletes included Olympians Ilya and Maxim Burov, who also are native to Yaroslavl. These brothers often place in the top three at major international skiing events. This was something of a homecoming for them, and they did not disappoint. There was also a strong showing from our Belarusian brothers, who came to be part of the festivities.
The competitors gave their all for the crowd, and the stunts lived up to the promise on the website. One thing I found very moving was the ability to witness on occasion the humanity of the athletes, as sometimes they did not land the stunt as hoped and hit the ground quite hard. To know that it had to hurt, but to see them brush off the impact and continue to compete really made an impact on me. No one was seriously injured, but there was competent medical help on standby.
Seeing the human, fallible side of the athletes actually made me appreciate it even more when they were successful at pulling off some daring stunt. You found yourself rooting for them to succeed, and you knew the trophies and accolades to come were hard won.
I can say nothing negative about the organisation and running of the event. The proceedings went smoothly, without any incidents. There was a healthy police presence to ensure the security of the event, participants, and the crowd.
Unsurprising to me, Russia was able to hold an international sporting event at a high level. What I find disappointing however is the refusal of western governments to allow their athletes to compete in such grand events due to political reasons, which I believe has no place in sport, and violates the Olympian spirit. Nonetheless, Russia held its head high and delivered a professional competition that pleased all who were involved, both athlete and spectator.
I was also able to make the acquaintance of several young people of foreign origin studying currently in Yaroslavl.
This may have been my first international Olympic ski competition, but now that I know my adopted country of Russia can put on such a show, it will not be my last.