Aleksey Prokurorov

Aleksey Prokurorov first came to prominence at the 1985 World Winter University Games, in which he won three medals. He won his first World Cup event two years later, and qualified for the first of five Olympic Games. The Calgary Games were his most successful, becoming Olympic champion in the 30 km as well as winning the silver medal with the Soviet relay squad. In his next four Olympics, he won no additional medals, although he did place 4th twice, and 5th on three occasions. He fared better at the World Championships, winning the 30 km in 1997 in Trondheim, and winning 5 more medals between 1989 and 1997 (silver in 10 km in 1997 and bronzes in 50 km in 1989, in relay race in 1993, in 30 km in 1995 and in 10/15 km pursuit in 1997). Prokurorov was also awarded the prestigious Holmenkollen medal in 1998 and won 13 Russian titles. After the 2002 Olympics, Prokurorov said goodbye to the sport at age 39. Four years later, he was appointed as the coach of the Russian women’s team. His life ended abruptly when his car was hit by a drunk driver in Vladimir, October 2008.