25.01.2018
As PyeongChang 2018 draws closer, we take a look at cross-country skiing, for which Turkey have three qualified athletes: Hamza Dursun, Ömer Ayçiçek and Ayşenur Duman.
- Cross-country skiing originated in Scandinavia over 5,000 years ago as a form of transportation across snow-covered and mountainous terrains.
- Norwegian army units began cross-country skiing as a sport in the 18th century and it was more widely adopted by the Norwegian general public in the mid-19th century as a social activity.
- The long distances between small and isolated communities made cross-country skiing a useful activity during snowy winters. It then made its debut as a sport at the first Winter Olympic Games in Charmonix in 1924.
- Skis used for cross-country skiing are thinner, longer and lighter than alpine skis, making them more useful for travelling up, down and around mountains.
- In cross-country skiing step combinations are very important so ski is attached to front end of athlete’s foot.
- There are six main events in cross-country skiing: Individual, Sprint, Pursuit, Mass start and Relay races.
- Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Finland and Sweden are the most successful in the sport and have won the most medals at international competitions and at Olympic Winter Games.
Hamza Dursun, Ömer Ayçiçek, Ayşenur Duman
Cross-country skiers Hamza Dursun, Ömer Ayçiçek and Ayşenur Duman who will represent Turkey at PyeongChang 2018, have competed at a number of European FIS competitions and Balkan Championships.