SIERRA NEVADA – Arkadii Kazakov, a 21-year old Russian athlete, finished in 4th place in the slope style competition in freestyle skiing. Student at the National State University for Sports and Health PF Lesgaft in St. Petersburg, Arkadii also leads a professional career in freestyle skiing. “At the moment I am fully committed to the slope style but in the future, I plan a career as cameraman and I would also like to make films.”
Arkadii KazakovUnfortunately for him, Arkadii does not benefit from optimal conditions for practice: “There are very little snow parks in Russia. And, unfortunately, those that do exist are not of high quality.” That is why Arkadii trains regularly in Europe and especially in Austria.
At present, there are very few high-level freestyle skiers in Russia. The 2014 Sochi Olympics helped grow the little-known sport. “The level is improving gradually. I think the 2019 Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk will have a major role in the development of freestyle skiing. I hope also that I will have the opportunity to participate in 2019.”
After Trentino in 2013, Granada 2015 is Arkadii’s second Universiade. According to him, the level is improving year by year. “This is the biggest event I attended. Previously, athletes made fairly simple jumps but here in Granada, I saw some of my opponents do very impressive tricks!” Arkadii explained.
“I love the atmosphere of the Universiade, the people are really friendly and very open. I made many friends from around the world. Moreover, three of them were already present in Trentino.”
Eventually, Arkadii hopes to participate in the World Championships in freestyle and the Olympic Games.
David Vandenplas, Media Assistant
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