Growing up near mountains and volcanoes, Nikita’s love for the outdoors began at an early age. He started competing in biathlon at 14, but his passion for ski mountaineering (skimo) began even earlier, at 12. Inspired and guided by his father—his coach and a skimo enthusiast since 2012—Nikita spent his childhood hiking and skiing on volcanoes, developing the strength, skill, and resilience that define his career today.
Nikita’s proudest achievement is his perseverance. “Even when I lose, I never give up—that’s something I’m truly proud of,” he says. One defining moment came during the 2020 Youth Olympic Games, when unexpected results challenged him and motivated him to reflect deeply on his sport and life goals.
A typical training day for Nikita is intense and structured: a morning workout at 7:30, followed by a 2.5–3 hour training session at 9:30. After rest and lunch, he returns to the mountains for a second session from 16:30 to 19:00, ending his day with sleep at 23:00. Mental preparation is just as important as physical conditioning. Nikita emphasizes confidence and focus: “All is in your brain. Nothing is impossible.”
Off the slopes, Nikita enjoys playing guitar, chess, solving Rubik’s cubes, and fishing. A fun childhood memory includes his first encounter with a bear at the age of eight.
Looking ahead, Nikita has his sights set on Olympic gold. Through his journey, he hopes to inspire others to embrace the outdoors, stay active, and discover the joy of movement—especially in the mountains. He extends heartfelt gratitude to his fans, and especially to his biggest supporters, his parents, for their unwavering encouragement.
Nikita’s story is one of perseverance, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, reminding us all that the mountains are not just a place to train—they are a place to grow.
