Cross-country skiing is not an exact science," author John Morton writes in his preface. " Even though the sport has been influenced by recent technological changes, there are still countless variables that make consistent top performance all but impossible. This observation is borne out at the World Cup or Olympic level of international competition, where year after year different individuals from various nations emerge as champions." As a former Olympian and Olympic coach, Morton draws on his firsthand experience to outline what makes a great skier. The combination of Conditioning, Technique, Psychology, Health and Nutrition, and Equipment and Waxing can make or break an athlete at any level.