Radya Yeroshina

Radiya Yeroshina made her international début at the 1956 Winter Olympics. First she won silver in the 10 km behind teammate Lyubov Kozyreva, then she skied a strong last leg in a losing effort for the Soviet relay team. The Soviets were favored, but after two legs, although in the lead, they were only six seconds ahead of Finland. At the last leg, Siiri Rantanen caught Yeroshina early and took over the lead and they skied together until 1800 m before finish, Rantanen made a strong finishing spurt to win a surprising gold medal 27 seconds ahead of the Soviets. At the 1958 World Championships, Yeroshina was fourth at 10 km and won a gold as a member of the Soviet relay team. She also won the 10 km event at Holmenkollen in 1958. At the 1960 Winter Olympics, Yeroshina won bronze in the 10 km behind teammates Mariya Gusakova and Kozyreva, the first Soviet medal sweep at the Winter Olympics. In the 3x5 km relay, the Soviets were again favored for the gold medal, but Yeroshina, who skied the first leg, fell and broke one of her skis, losing more than four minutes before she managed to replace the broken ski, and although her teammates skied well, the Soviets managed only a silver medal. Yeroshina made her last international appearance at the 1962 World Championships, where she won a bronze in the 10 km. Domestically, Radiya Yeroshina won four Soviet Championships: twice at 5 km (1957, 1959) and twice at 10 km (1955, 1957).