Elite Athletes Club

NWANA

ELITE ATHLETES CLUB

Elite athletes exist — even before the sport is fully developed in the U.S. Competitive Nordic Walking is still emerging in the United States. Yet international-level athletes already represent the country on the world stage.

Elite Directory Invite an Elite Athlete Apply / Nominate
Membership is intentionally limited and based on verified international achievements.

A Young Sport. Proven International Results.

Nordic Walking in the U.S. is still in its early development stage. However, international-level performance has already been achieved.

The Elite Athletes Club documents athletes whose results meet the highest international standards — and sets a clear reference point for credibility, judging, and competitive growth nationwide.

What This Proves

  • Credibility: world-level medals exist within the U.S. athlete pool.
  • Leadership: NWANA is building the sport from the top down.
  • Standards: technique and judging can align to a real benchmark.
  • Growth: elite presence accelerates events, clubs, and regional markets.

Elite Directory

Verified international achievements. Limited membership.

Albert Fatikhov — World Championship Medalist
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALIST PRESIDENT — NWANA

Albert Fatikhov

Washington DC, United States
Albert Fatikhov is one of a very small number of athletes in the United States to hold World Championship medals in competitive Nordic Walking. He combines international athletic experience with organizational leadership as the head of NWANA.
  • World Championship (Lahti, Finland) — Silver medal, 4 × 5 km men’s relay (2024)
  • World Championship (Lahti, Finland) — Bronze medal, 5 km (2024)
  • Latvian Championships — Multiple medalist
Invite Albert Media Request
Tommy Aunan — World Championship Medalist
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALIST USA NATIONAL TEAM

Tommy Aunan

United States | World Championship Medalist
Tommy Aunan is one of the most decorated endurance athletes representing the United States on the international stage. A versatile competitor, Tommy has built a legendary career spanning 38 World Masters Championships across Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon, Athletics, and Nordic Walking.

In the realm of Nordic Walking, Tommy has firmly established himself as an elite competitor. He has represented the USA in three Nordic Walking World Championships. Most notably, at the 2024 World Championship in Lahti, Finland, he achieved historic success, winning the Silver Medal in the 10K and the Bronze Medal in the 5K individual races.
  • Silver Medal, 10K — World Championship (Lahti, Finland 2024)
  • Bronze Medal, 5K — World Championship (Lahti, Finland 2024)
  • 8-time USA Masters National Racewalk Champion
  • Winner of 34 medals in USA National and Masters Championships
  • 7-time medalist in nation team competitions at the World Masters Athletics Championships
  • Double Bronze medalist (5K and 20K Racewalk) at the World Masters Games in Sydney (2009)

Tommy Aunan continues to set the standard for high-performance Nordic Walking in North America.

Invite Tommy Contact Athlete
RESERVED SLOT

Future Elite Athlete

International medals/awards required. Documentation and verification mandatory.

Apply
NOMINATE

Recognize Talent

Know a U.S. athlete with international Nordic Walking awards? Help us build the roster.

Nominate

Invite an Elite Athlete

Make your event look serious. Raise credibility. Grow participation.

Available for limited official invitations

Sanctioned competitions Technique & performance clinics Judging & standards education Regional development day Media & promotion support

How it works

  1. Send request: city, date, format.
  2. NWANA confirms availability and scope.
  3. Official NWANA appearance activation.
Request an Invitation