Vladimir Smirnov

Vladimir Smirnov, who was one of the most prominent cross-country skiers at the end of the 1980s and start of the 90s, made his international début at the 1985 World Championships. Smirnov won his first major international tournament medal, a silver in the relay, at the 1987 World Championships, where he was also fifth in 15 km. But Smirnov rose into prominence at the 1988 Winter Olympics, where he medaled at every distance in which he competed, winning silvers in the 30 km and the relay and bronze at 15 km. During his career Smirnov won four more Olympics medals, his only gold came in 1994 at 50 km and he also won silvers in the 10 km and pursuit in 1994 and bronze in the pursuit in 1998. At the 1989 World Championships Smirnov won his first title in the 30 km, while the high point of his career was probably at the 1995 World Championships, winning golds in the 10 km, 30 km and pursuit. He also won four silver medals and three bronzes at the World Championship. Smirnov was very successful at the World Cup, winning the event in 1990-91 and 1993-94, and winning three silvers and three bronzes. In 1994 Smirnov was awarded the Hollenkollen Medal. After finishing his sporting career, he became the IOC member for Kazakhstan from 1999-2001, and from 1998-2004 was a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission. Smirnov also headed the bid committee for Almaty, Kazakhstan to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, but the bid failed to make the short list in 2006. He is also vice president of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).