Vladimir Lobanov

Vladimir Lobanov was much more successful domestically than internationally. The high point of Lobanov’s career was the 1980 Winter Olympics, where he won a bronze in the 1,000. Lobanov never won an all-around medal at the World or European Championships, placing fifth at both in 1978, but he won two distance medals, although never a gold. He won two distance bronzes at the World All-around Championships (500 in 1978 and 1,500 in 1979), and three distance silvers (500 in 1978 and both the 500 and 1,500 in 1979) and a distance bronze (500 in 1977) at the European All-around Championships. Domestically Lobanov was Soviet all-around champion in 1979 and won sprint titles in 1978 and 1981. He also won seven Soviet distance titles, four in the 1,000 (1977-78, 1980-81) and three in the 1,500 (1976, 1978-79).

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.5 (1980); 1000 – 1:13.70 (1983); 1500 – 1:53.8 (1977); 5000 – 7:02.7 (1977); 10000 – 15:12.2 (1977).