Elena Vyalbe (Елена Валерьевна Вяльбе; born 25 June 1968) is a Russian cross-country skier and biathlete. She is one of the most successful cross-country skiers of all time, winning five Olympic gold medals, fourteen World Championship gold medals, and the FIS Cross-Country World Cup four times. Vyalbe was born in Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. She began cross-country skiing at the age of seven and was soon identified as a talented athlete. She made her international debut in 1986, at the age of 18, and quickly established herself as one of the best skiers in the world.
Vyalbe’s first major success came at the 1989 World Championships in Lahti, Finland, where she won three gold medals: in the 10 km individual start, the 4 x 5 km relay, and the 4 x 10 km relay. She went on to win four more gold medals at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France: in the 10 km individual start, the 5 km pursuit, the 4 x 5 km relay, and the 4 x 10 km relay. She also won a silver medal in the 15 km individual start.
Vyalbe continued to dominate the world of cross-country skiing throughout the 1990s, winning a total of fourteen World Championship gold medals. She also won the FIS Cross-Country World Cup four times (1989, 1992, 1995, and 1997).
Vyalbe retired from competition in 2002, after the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has since worked as a coach and administrator for the Russian Ski Federation. In 2010, she was elected President of the Russian Cross-Country Skiing Federation.
Vyalbe is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Ski Federation (FIS). She is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Vyalbe is married to the former cross-country skier Igor Vyalbe. They have two children, a son and a daughter.
Here is some additional information about Elena Vyalbe:
- She is known for her aggressive skiing style and her strong finish.
- She is a very popular athlete in Russia and is considered a national hero.
- She has been awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 3rd class (2001), the Order of Friendship (1995), and the Medal “For Outstanding Service to the Republic of Karelia” (2008).
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.