June 13, 2010 – FIS Cross-Country had a unique chance to talk to U.S. top skier and representative in the FIS Athlete’s Commission, Kikkan Randall, who attended the recent FIS Congress in Turkey. Following the conference Randall flew to Norway for a Rollerski opener in Askim, which she won.

Last time we talked it was May 12. What’s your program been since then?

Kikkan Randall: I started back into training. The first couple of weeks were tough, as the body felt out of shape. I did some snow skiing, some roller skiing and some running and also competed in a triathlon. I had about four weeks of good training before I left for Turkey.

You were in Turkey as the athlete’s representative. What’s your perspective about the recent changes such as the mini-tour in Kuusamo, multi-stage World Championship, ski exchanges etc. – read more here?

KR: I did my best during the season to talk with as many athletes and teams as I could so that I could get a good feel for what the athletes think and want. This is important when I speak at the meetings so that I can speak for all athletes and not just myself.

I was welcomed to the table at the Cross-Country Committee meeting and was able to comment on many topics. Overall I am very pleased to hear that our sport is doing so well. We have positive TV ratings and more fans than ever. We have more countries participating and succeeding in championships. And the ski industry is having a chance to recover after a few tough winters.

There were many good discussions at the meetings, especially about the World Cup calendar. Many of the athletes that I spoke with were not in favor of a mini-tour in Kuusamo as it is too early in the season for so many races. Unfortunately I did not win this battle and we will be testing out a mini-tour in Kuusamo this season. At least it will only be a test, so if it is hard on the athletes, there may be a chance to take it back off the schedule the following year.

Another good discussion was about replacing the team sprint at major championships with another individual sprint. There was support for this idea and also non-support. It was decided that there should be a working group to discuss this idea further. I look forward to speaking with more athletes about this topic.

One highlight that did come out of the meeting was the addition of the new Assistant Race Director position. I think this position will be really good for getting more consistent Jury work as the ARD will be in all juries, and the ARD will be a good contact for the athletes and teams.

My goal going forward from these meetings is to share what I hear and learn from FIS with the athletes, and to also create an Athlete Commission for cross-country with representatives from every country. Stay tuned for more info about this!

You won a rollerski competition opener in Norway. How come you’re so strong? Do you do special rollerski workouts?

KR: When I made my plans to come to Norway, I didn’t know yet about the roller ski race. It just happened that my host, Ella Gjomle Berg, got invited a few days before I was coming so they invited me as well. It was my first time racing on fast wheels. I have not been doing any special training, I guess I am just lucky to be in decent shape right now.

How long will you stay in Norway?

KR: I will stay in Norway until June 20th. Right now I am skiing at Sognefjell. We will be here for a few more days and then maybe visit the mountains in Western Norway.

When will you re-join the U.S. team? They had a training camp in Oregon – do you have some news from there?

KR: I was sad to have to miss my team’s camp in Bend, Oregon. It was just bad timing for me since I had to travel to Turkey in the middle of the camp time. I have heard from several of my teammates and coaches. The weather was not so nice but the training was good and every one had a great time. I will meet up with the team again in the middle of July when we go to New Zealand for another on-snow camp.

Thank you for your time – we wish you good luck and good training in Norway.

KR: Thank you