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.
Membership is intentionally limited and based on verified international achievements.
A Young Sport. Proven International Results.
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
Albert Fatikhov
At the 2024 World Championship in Lahti, Finland, Albert won the Silver Medal in the 4 × 5K men's relay and the Bronze Medal in the 5K individual race. During the 2026 season, he recorded 19 victories in the NWANA Open Nordic Walking Series while competing across distances from 1K through 20K.
- Silver Medal — 4 × 5K Men's Relay – World Championship, Lahti, Finland (2024)
- Bronze Medal — 5K – World Championship, Lahti, Finland (2024)
- 6 Latvian Championship Medals – 1 Bronze in 2023 and 5 medals in 2024
- 22 NWANA Open Series Victories – 2026 season
- 30:58 Official 5K Competition Best – Latvian Championship, Vakarbulli (2024)
- Current Competitive Focus: 1K, 3K and 5K
Albert continues to compete actively while focusing on speed, technique, and performance development across the shorter Nordic Walking distances.
Tommy Aunan
Tommy Aunan
Tommy Aunan is one of the most decorated endurance athletes representing the United States on the international stage. A remarkably versatile competitor, Tommy has built an extraordinary career spanning 40 World Masters Championships, World Masters Games, and World Championships across Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon, Athletics, and Nordic Walking.
In Nordic Walking, Tommy has established himself as an elite international competitor, representing the USA at three Nordic Walking World Championships. At the 2024 World Championship in Lahti, Finland, he won the Silver Medal in the 10K and the Bronze Medal in the 5K individual races.
Career Highlights
Future Elite Athlete
International medals/awards required. Documentation and verification mandatory.
Recognize Talent
Know a U.S. athlete with international Nordic Walking awards? Help us build the roster.
Invite an Elite Athlete
Make your event look serious. Raise credibility. Grow participation.
Available for limited official invitations
How it works
- Send request: city, date, format.
- NWANA confirms availability and scope.
- Official NWANA appearance activation.
