Oleg Bozhev

The winter of 1984 was very successful one for Oleg Bozev. Bozhev made his international début at the 1984 Olympics, where he won bronze in the 1,500 and was fifth at 5,000 m. He then competed at the World All-around Championships, which he surprisingly won, although he won only the 1,500 m distance. Next at the Soviet Championships he won his only two Soviet titles, in all-around and 1,500 m. Bozhev ended the 1984 season with a 1,500 m World Record of 1:53.26, which he posted at the end of March in Medeo. In 1985, Bozhev won bronze at the European All-around Championships, and silver at the World All-around Championships, where he again won the 1,500 m and was fifth at the World Sprint Championships. In 1986 Bozhev won both the 500 m and 1,500 m at the World All-around Championships, but had to settle for a silver again in the all-around. Bozhev won his last international medal at the 1987 World All-around Championships, with a silver, although he continued to skate for a few more seasons, but with less success. Bozhev later worked as the head coach of the Russian national speed skating team.

Personal Bests: 500 – 36.88 (1985); 1000 – 1:14.31 (1985); 1500 – 1:53.26 (1984); 5000 – 6:56.73 (1987); 10000 - 14:26.11 (1987).