Ekaterina Osichkina, a 19-year-old Russian athlete, won the women’s junior title at the ISMF World Cup on January 26th. The competition phase (“individual race” category) took place in Andorra, at the ski resort of Arcalis. Ekaterina far outstripped her rivals. The next day, she won again in the “vertical race” in Arinsal. She is known as the most lovely young athlete thanks to her pretty smile. The athlete shared her impressions with all-andorra.com about competitions in Andorra and explained why she loved the sport:
“I have been competing internationally since 2014. Of course, I do not always win. But last year, I also won in Andorra.
The “individual race” for the junior girls took place on a course with a vertical drop of 1010 meters, the “vertical race” – with a vertical drop of 465 meters. I managed to get ahead twice. Maybe that’s why I particularly like this country. I am happy that everything here is going so well for me. Well, how could this be different? It is extremely beautiful here!
I want to continue competing for Russia – not as a junior. Of course, it’s hard to predict anything but I do like ski mountaineering and I want to continue to practice it professionally.
If you ask me why, I would answer you as follows: In this sport, athletes are more open and friendly to each other – that’s what I can see and what I can feel. In addition, competitions always take place in incredibly beautiful places. And the atmosphere is completely different.
I live in Kamchatka and I mainly train there. Sometimes I travel to the Caucasus to change places. I can say that ski mountaineering has gradually become an increasingly popular sport among young people. I practiced cross-country skiing, biathlon… But when I tried ski mountaineering for the first time, I immediately knew: it’s my sport. I am very happy doing it. And I will do everything to promote this sport in my country. ”
Silvia Monet
