Celebrity Guests Coach at Mansfield Nordic

Mansfield Nordic (MNC) has wrapped up its summer training program with special “celebrity guest coaches” in recent weeks.

U.S. Biathlon Team members Susan Dunklee and Corrine Malcolm shared technique and strength drills they hope will propel them to the 2014 Olympic team. MNC skiers also got to do a biathlon clinic with the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club to test their shooting and skiing skills.

Skyler Davis made “sprint day” a highlight of the summer with some of the most dynamic speed and power drills MNC skiers have ever done!  The 2 hour session culminated with drop in sprints, then athletes had a chance to go head-to-head with Skyler in a 100 meter dash.  Because Skyler is a former MNC BKL skier, his stories of racing in Scandinavia and Europe, processes for goal setting and preparations for the U.S. Ski Team trip to New Zealand really hit home.

Ida Sargent packs a lot of energy and power into a little frame and her clinic with the MNC women’s group was a hit!  After technique and power drills she has learned at Craftsbury, Dartmouth and the US Team, Ida led a series of intervals in which the girls got to ski right behind her, feeling the tempo and power that makes for fast racing.  The 2 hour clinic culminated with Ida’s demos for power pushups and double digit pullups, highlighting the importance of power in today’s ski racing world.

Three key points were emphasized by each celebrity guest coach…

• set clear goals, keep a log, monitor progress
• strength and power are critical
• focus on 1-2 key technique points every minute you are on your skis

While each of these Vermont grown skiers was impressive in their speed, power and fitness, their passion, joy and love for skiing and training also came through.  They were inspiring, exciting and gracious in giving back to their ski communities and made a lasting impression on the young MNC skiers.