Cross-Country Legend Sven Wiik, 95

Olympic Ski Coach, X-C Pioneer, Hotel Owner Was A Major Contributor To Growth Of The Sport.

Sven Wiik, a Swedish native who helped promote cross-country skiing in North America through coaching and promoting the sport, has died at 95 in Steamboat Springs, CO. Wiik is known as a pioneer in the sport, creating the design for the American Birkebeiner trail in 1973, boosting a tremendous growth spurt for Nordic skiing. The American Birkebeiner Race attracts over 10,000 racers every year.

For more in Wiik’s life and achievements, please click here.

Author
Recent Posts

mikemaginn

Mike is the co-publisher of SeniorsSkiing.com.His skiing career started at Song Mountain NY in his college days. He worked for SKIING magazine in the early 70s, learned to love cross-country, took a 20 year hiatus from skiing and came back to short skis and efficient boots. When Jon Weisberg suggested there should be a site for senior skiers, he joined him in developing SeniorsSkiing.com.