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Ivan BabikovCanadian skier, cross-country runner
Date of Birth: 04.07.1980
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Biography of Ivan Babikov
Ivan Babikov, a Canadian skier and cross-country runner, was born in the Republic of Komi. After living in Canada for three years, he unexpectedly became one of the main Olympic hopes for the Russian men's ski team. This season, Babikov, who went unnoticed in his homeland, suddenly became famous overnight after his triumphant performance at the US Championships and his agreement to compete in Turin under the Russian flag. Yesterday, the 25-year-old athlete, who almost lost his precious skis during his journey from America, once again proved skeptics wrong by finishing fourth in the 50 km marathon race at the Russian Championships. The chief editor of the Sports Information Agency "Ves Sport," Andrey Mitkov, had a conversation with the rising star.
How did you, a person aspiring to obtain Canadian citizenship, decide to qualify for the Russian national team?
- Every athlete's dream is to compete in the Olympics. A couple of months ago, I couldn't even dream of going to Turin, especially as part of the Russian team. At the beginning of the season, I considered the US Championships as the main event, which recently concluded in Salt Lake City. Only before New Year's did I switch my focus to the qualifying races in Tsakhkadzor, which will determine the composition of the Russian Olympic team.
Do you feel comfortable competing alone against the Russian ski training system?
- Firstly, I am not competing against anyone. I have always been and remain a citizen of Russia. My wife Svetlana and our three-year-old son Sergey still live here. Secondly, I do not feel alone. I was deeply touched when Russian ski fans started raising money for my trip to the Russian Championships in Rybinsk and the races in Tsakhkadzor.
Is it true that you are part of the "Vancouver 2010" group, which consists of athletes capable of winning medals for Canada at the "home" Olympics?
- That's only partially true. Since I don't have Canadian citizenship, I cannot enjoy all the privileges of this group, and unlike other participants, I do not receive a stipend. However, Canadian sports officials help me with equipment, cover my transportation expenses, and provide service technicians. I am considered part of the Canadian Olympic team but do not have the right to compete.
How did Canada react to your desire to compete for Russia at the 2006 Olympics?
- You won't believe it, but they reacted very positively. Patrick Smith, a member of the International Ski Federation from Canada, said that I made the right decision and smiled, saying that I would gain experience before the 2010 Olympics.
Are you firmly committed to representing Canada at Vancouver 2010?
- To be honest, I don't look that far ahead. After Rybinsk, all my thoughts are focused on the qualifying races in Tsakhkadzor. Then, God willing, I will start thinking about competing in Turin. And then... I will carefully consider everything and make a decision.
If you fail to qualify for the Russian national team for the Games in Turin, will it be a tragedy?
- In any case, it will be a priceless experience. But right now, after a successful performance in Rybinsk, my optimism regarding Olympic prospects has increased. After all, I just arrived from America two days ago. Despite all my misadventures - such as the airline losing my skis in New York - I have no complaints. But after the finish line, I received congratulations not less than the champion Ivan Alypov. I believe I have proven that I am a decent-level racer and deserving of being a candidate to participate in the Olympic Games in Turin.
