Competitive analysis of performance of strongest junior and senior cross-country skiers

Аннотация

Objective of the study was to profile and analyze the dynamics of competitive progress of the national and foreign elite cross-country skiers in the international events in the youth and senior age.

Methods and structure of the study. The reports of the major 2005-2021 World Ski Championships, Olympic Winter Games, European Youth Olympic Festival and Youth Olympic Winter Games were analyzed, along with the statistical data analysis, and percentages, the data visualization was done using RSudio v. 3.6.3 and Microsoft Excel graphics.

Results and conclusion. We found that for the study period Russia and Norway junior cross-country skiers were virtually at par in youth competitions, whilst at the major international events and Olympic Games Norway was 2.4 times more successful than Russia in the men’s individual medal standings, and twice as likely to rank in the top-six. Most of the Russian leaders at the 2021 World Cup entered the national elite at the age of 17-18; although only two (0.56%) of them still compete in the World Cup events. The other study data and analysis show that the national long-term cross-country skiing training system has long been in need of improvements.