Andorran Ski Federation Names Croatian Ex-Skier Natko Zrnčić-Dim as Head Coach for Verdú's World Cup Team

The Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) has named Croatian ex-skier Natko Zrnčić-Dim as head coach for Joan Verdú's elite men's World Cup team, succeeding Juan Lago. The 40-year-old will guide the project at least until the next Winter Olympics.

Zrnčić-Dim joins from recent roles with Slovenia's men's speed teams on the World Cup circuit, marking his first time as top leader at that level. He previously headed the Europa Cup team for Croatian skier Tvrtko Ljutić over two seasons.

A combined events specialist as an athlete, he claimed bronze at the 2009 World Championships in Val d'Isère, plus five World Cup podiums: second in Chamonix and thirds in Wengen, Beaver Creek, Kitzbühel, and Val d'Isère. He raced in four Olympics—Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014 (best: 10th place), and Pyeongchang 2018, where he bore Croatia's flag at the opening ceremony.

The FAE seeks a medium-term push to lift Verdú into the world elite. The revamped staff adds Josh Alayrach as technician from the women's slalom team with Carla Mijares, alongside Raphael Hudler as ski technician, Damià Costa as physical trainer, and Pol Ferrer as physiotherapist.

Zrnčić-Dim voiced strong commitment, calling it "a pleasure" to join Verdú's team. He described the skier as talented and said his aim is to maximize summer and autumn training for peak winter results.

Alpine director Roger Vidosa called the hire valuable, citing the coach's track knowledge from personal races and his belief in Verdú after observing him ski. "We think he can do very well," Vidosa added.

Verdú praised the choice, noting Zrnčić-Dim's course familiarity, training expertise from preseason through competition, and dedication. "From our talks, he's highly motivated and fully backs the project and team," the skier said.

The lineup blends continuity with new momentum to advance Verdú on the global stage.