Rafael Grach

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRafael Davidovich•Grach
Used nameRafael•Grach
Original nameРафаэль Давидович•Грач
Born6 August 1932 in Murygino, Kirov (RUS)
Died14 June 1982 in Moskva (Moscow), Moskva (RUS)
Measurements173 cm / 73 kg
AffiliationsSA Sverdlovsk/Spartak Moskva oblast
NOC Soviet Union
Nationality Russian Federation
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

Rafael Grach was a true sprinter, who very rarely skated other distances than 500 m, which is why he never competed in the World Championships. Throughout his career, Grach was in the shadow of another great Soviet sprinter Yevgeny Grishin, and he won his only Soviet title in 1960 when Grishin did not compete. His other podium finishes at the Soviet Championships were second in 1956-57 and third in 1958-59 and 1962, all at 500 metres.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.9 (1964); 1500 – 2:12.8 (1957); 5000 – 8:32.0 (1964); 10000 – 17:26.5 (1964).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal Nationality As
1956 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) URS RUS Rafael Grach
500 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
1960 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) URS RUS Rafael Grach
500 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1964 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) URS RUS Rafael Grach
500 metres, Men (Olympic) =10

Errata

Date of death also seen 14 June 1982.