title: Mark Starostin
text: # Mark Starostin
  
  Mark Yurevich Starostin (Russian: Марк Юрьевич Старостин, born December 23, 1990) is a Kazakhstani cross-country skier who has competed since 2012 till 2016.
  
  ## Early years
  
  Starostin was 3–4 years old when he tried to ski for the first time, and the first competition he took part in was opening of the winter season of Akmola Province. He studied in the 4th grade then. Starostin trained at the Specialized school of perfect sport mastery of Astana. He became a professional under coaching his father, Yuri, who is honored sportsmen of the Soviet Union.
  
  