Nikolai Anikin, a three-time Olympic Medalist, leader of the Russian ski program, and elite coach based out of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away this weekend at his home after battling cancer for two years. Anikin was 77. He is survived by his wife Antonina, daughter Irinia, 50, of Moscow, and son, Nikolai Jr. 28 of Duluth.
You can read a complete obituary from the Duluth News-Tribune
Nikolai Anikin has long been a fixture in US skiing. As a coach, he helped to raise the level of the sport in this country – he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
3 comments
jonengen
November 16, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Nikolai,
We will miss you and always remember you. Thanks for all your contributions to our sport and for being a good guy among us.
All the best to the Anikin family.
Jon Engen, Sun Valley, ID
(USSA CC-Committee Chair)
Peter Graves
November 16, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Nicolai was not only a talented skier during his racing career, but was also a tremendous coach, and spread his sincere love of sport to many, many people. I had the pleasure of working with him, when we were both involved with the USST. He was a man of deep knowledge, and also had the gift of kindness and good humor.
He was a very good man. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Peter Graves
timgibbons
November 17, 2009 at 12:22 am
I will remember Nikolai as one of the most genuine, kind and generous people in our sport. He had this wonderful ability to make you feel as an old friend within the first few meetings. He was generous with his extensive technical knowledge and always quick to add his good humor and flash that toothy grin. You will be missed Nikolai.
Tim Gibbons
Bend, OR