Benes comes to U.S. Paralympics after spending the past five years as the Nordic skiing director and head coach at Sugar Bowl Academy.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, today announced the hiring of Martin Benes as a coach for U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing. Benes will report to Eileen Carey, director of U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing.
“We are excited for Martin to join Team USA,” said Carey. “With more than 10 years of coaching experience working with all levels of skiers, we’re fortunate to have his passion for innovation and an individualized approach to coaching that will drive our program forward as we look ahead to Beijing 2022.”
Benes comes to U.S. Paralympics after spending the past five years as the Nordic skiing director and head coach at Sugar Bowl Academy in Norden, California. At Sugar Bowl Academy, Benes developed athletes to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Biathlon Development Team, including qualifying athletes for FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships, Biathlon Junior World Championships and the Youth Olympic Games.
Benes is replacing Carey, who was promoted to director of the program in May after spending the past four years coaching for U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing.
Benes will lead the development of annual and seasonal training plans for the national team, track athlete performances, workout data, sport science data and annual progress reports, contribute to the U.S. Paralympics athlete identification and development strategy, and assist in planning travel and logistics for the Nordic skiing program to competitions, camps and events.
“I’m thrilled to join the coaching staff of U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing,” said Benes. “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the program following such a successful performance in front of the world at the Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. I’m eager to get started in my role so we can continue to strengthen the program and win medals on the international stage.”
Benes’ additional coaching experience includes roles at Far West Nordic (2017-18), his alma mater of Bates College (2009-11) and Auburn Ski Club (2007-10). He will begin his duties with U.S. Paralympics on Aug. 20.