Ivan Babikov, Canadian cross-country skier, retiring to coaching role
Russian-born Canadian cross-country skier is calling it quits after 14 years
Ivan Babikov has officially closed the book on his successful cross-country skiing journey as an athlete.
Babikov announced on Friday that he will make the transition from athlete to coach, with the National Ski Team.
The three-time Olympian will play a critical role with Louis Bouchard to help make Canada relevant on the international stage.
"Ivan was a tireless athlete who was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence throughout his 10 years on the Canadian National Ski Team. I expect the same drive and determination from him in his coaching career," Tom Holland, the team's high-performance director said.
Babikov will work with the men's World Cup-level athletes based in Canmore, Alta., while also serving as B-Team coach.
"I'm extremely excited. Coaching is something I have always targeted as a goal of mine when I was ready to stop competing," Babikov said. "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.
The 35-year-old is at peace with his decision to walk away but recognizes that it won't be easy adjusting to life after skiing.
"Transition is never easy and I think it will be tough for me at first to be on the sidelines knowing I won't be skiing," he said. "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."
<a href="https://twitter.com/IvanBabikov">@IvanBabikov</a> good luck for your new coaching career! I'm proud to have had the opportunity to train & race alongside you, my friend!
—@brianmckeeverBouchard and Babikov will guide a group of four active coaches across the country whose focus will be on developing the next generation of Olympians from coast-to-coast.
Career highlights
The Russian-born Canadian finished fourth at the 2013 World Championships. Babikov's best Olympic result was in 2010 where he finished fifth in the 30km pursuit.
His career on the World Cup circuit included two podium finishes and a handful of top-10 results.