![Basketball battle of the tallest nordies: Jesse Cockney takes it to the hoop past Lenny Valjas. (Courtesy photo)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/11/unnamed.jpg")
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Jesse Cockney has a knack for turning in big performances on home soil: his major breakthrough came in 2012, when he qualified second and finished ninth in the World Cup sprint in Canmore – his hometown since age seven – in just the sixth World Cup start ever in his career.
Last season, Cockney competed in World Cups in Europe without making the heats, then made a splash by finishing 10th in the Quebec City skate sprint as part of the Ski Tour Canada. This year Cockney is looking for more World Cup successes and recently earned his way onto Cross Country Canada’s Period I World Cup tour.
1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?
I spent the summer running a waffle cart with my girlfriend at Canmore’s mountain market.
2. Biggest change in your training?
Last year I made a big change in my training and moved to Quebec City for the summer and this season I’ve been back in Canmore full time.
3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?
![Jess Cockney racing to 29th in the freestyle sprint qualifier at Stage 3 of the Ski Tour Canada in Quebec City. (Photo: John Lazenby/Lazenbyphoto.com)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/03/DSC_3244copyW.jpg")
So far this year I’ve felt a big improvement in base fitness.
4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?
Lots of time with my roommate Knute.
5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?
Watertown National park with Graeme Killick in June for training. It was our first time to the park and we had some very productive volume days.
6. Favorite cross-training?
Fishing
7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?
Fishing
8. Song that was your jam this summer?
Whatever CKUA was playing.
9. All time favorite race moment?
When my teammate Gord Jewett won the 2010 Olympic trials at Sovereign lakes.
10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?
Skis
11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season?
![Jess Cockney (Canadian World Cup B-team) racing to first in the men's classic sprint qualifier at Frozen Thunder on Tuesday in Canmore, Alberta. The win should secure his spot with the Canadian national team at World Cup Period 1. (Photo: Jenn Jackson)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/11/cockney.jpg")
Canmore nordic centre for the team sprint at 2017 Ski Nationals.
12. Who will win the World Cup title this year?
[Martin Johnsrud] Sundby and [Ingvild Flugstad] Oestberg
13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?
I wouldn’t want to be anywhere/doing anything else.
14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?
I’d change our earnings, closer to the NBA salary cap per nation.
15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Scrambled eggs, toasted bagel, coffee and an apple
16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____?
Getting learned at school.
17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?
Still figuring it out.
