Both Justin Wadsworth and Trond Nystad - the respective head coaches for Canada and Norway - have stated the desire to spend more time with their young families and now leave both nations in search of new coaching leadership.

Accomplished Ski Coach Justin Wadsworth Presses Pause on Coaching Career to Put Focus on Young Family

One of the most accomplished head coaches in the history of the Canadian National Ski Team, Justin Wadsworth, will take a break from coaching following the Haywood Ski Nationals, Cross-Country Ski de Fond Canada announced on Monday.

Wadsworth made the announcement on the heels of the inaugural eight-race Ski Tour Canada where he guided 26 Canadian athletes to numerous personal best performances, including Alex Harvey’s fifth-place finish in the overall standings.

Wanting to spend more time with his wife, Beckie Scott, and their two young children, the rigors of year-round international travel and the time commitment required to properly lead a high-performance sport team led Wadsworth to make the decision.

“Beckie and I have dedicated nearly our entire lives almost exclusively to the sport of cross-country skiing – both as athletes and in coaching – but I feel now it is time to take a break, and concentrate my time on being a father and husband,” said Wadsworth. “Cross-country skiing is in our family’s blood, but at some point it is time to step away. I look forward to watching the team’s continued quest for the Olympic podium while spending some much-needed time at home.”

For the complete press release from Cross-Country Canada click HERE. 

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Nystad to leave Norwegian team after 5 years at the helm

It was announced back in early February that Nystad would be stepping down as head coach of the Norwegian Cross-Country ski team.  With the FIS World Cup season now complete the focus now shifts to see who will take his place.

"There are many things. I have, among other things got a little kid at home. When one travels 240 days a year, it's a bit far with a family. Meanwhile, I had a very understanding family, but I envision that it's okay to be a little more at home," says Nystad.

The National team plans to have a new head coach in place by May 1, 2016.

For the complete article on nrk.no click HERE. 

Source: fis-ski.com