Alexander Bolshunov, the Russian Olympic champion in cross-country skiing, finished ninth in a recent classic-style 10-kilometer time trial. The winner, Ermil Vokuev, pulled ahead by a margin of 45.4 seconds, leaving Bolshunov to chase the podium from a distance. This result interrupted Bolshunov’s streak of consecutive wins in individual events, a run that had defined his remarkable season up to that point.
Historically, Bolshunov has been a dominant figure on the ski trails. He captured the gold medal in the skiathlon at the Russian Championships held in Malinovka, marking his 23rd victory of the season. The event was staged on March 17, and Bolshunov’s performance continued to shape the narrative of a season filled with high expectations and intense competition on the national circuit.
On the World Cup circuit, Bolshunov has earned multiple laurels, including two World Cup titles and a triumph in the Tour de Ski. His achievements at the Olympic Games in Beijing further solidified his standing, where he collected five medals, three of them gold. However, like many of his fellow Russian athletes, Bolshunov faced suspension from the final World Cup races of that campaign, which effectively ended his season ahead of schedule. He placed second overall in the World Cup standings for that year, underscoring his talent even in a disrupted season.
In spring 2022, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) implemented a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competition through the remainder of the season. The policy, designed to apply to a broad range of events, was extended, keeping Russian competitors restricted largely to national or local events during that period. This shift altered the international competitive landscape and affected the opportunities available to Bolshunov and his peers on the global stage.
There is also interest in how athletes manage recovery and illness across a demanding season. Bolshunov has publicly discussed his approaches to staying in peak shape, including methods used to aid recovery after tough training blocks. One anecdote notes that he used an inflatable bath as part of his recovery routine during a period when he was dealing with illness. Such details illustrate the practical, sometimes unconventional, routines top athletes employ to maintain form and resilience in the face of a grueling schedule and travel demands.