Legendary coach, Piotr Bednarski, has announced his retirement, effective April 3rd, 2026. Piotr has dedicated his entire career to advancing the sport of Nordic skiing. Beginning as a coach of the Cornell Ski Team in 1988, Piotr has influenced nearly every level of competitor over a career that has spanned 38 years. Throughout his tenure, Bednarski has coached for US Biathlon, Team Birkie, founded GoTraining, and directed Loppet Nordic Racing for the last 14 years.
When asked about his coaching highlights, Piotr spoke of the adult athletes he coached in the Winter Olympics: Andy Erickson, Nagano 1988; Dan Campbell Salt Lake City 2002; Carolyn Bramante Turin 2006; Caitlin Gregg Vancouver, 2010. Over the last fifteen years, Piotr has found great joy and motivation in coaching Loppet Nordic Racing juniors. During this time, they have won six combined club championships on the national level.
“Piotr’s impact on Nordic skiing in the Midwest is impossible to overstate. His vision and leadership at the Loppet Foundation helped shape our Nordic community, and his support and partnership were instrumental in the establishment and success of Team Birkie. On behalf of Central Cross Country Skiing, I am deeply grateful for Piotr’s friendship, leadership, and the lasting legacy he leaves for our athletes, our community, and our sport.” – Yuriy Gusev, CXC
Loppet executive director, Meghan Cosgrove, acknowledges that it is hard to summarize the career of someone who is equated with Nordic skiing in the Midwest. “Generations of skiers have benefitted from Piotr’s foundational teachings, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. I am extremely happy for Piotr that he has decided to pursue the next phase of his life. Rest assured, he intends to continue as a part-time coach with the Loppet, allowing him to focus on the coaching aspects of the work and free him from the administrative duties he has tolerated over the years.”
Thank you, Piotr!