Aleksandr Gubin

Aleksandr Gubin began skiing when he was 12-years-old and went on to become successful in cross-country and biathlon events. In 1953 Gubin won a competition in the town of Alapayevsk, earning a watch and a rifle. After being called up for military service, he became the USSR champion in the 18 km patrol race in 1955. Three years later Gubin became the national biathlon champion when he won the individual 20 km race, earning himself a place at the World Championships. The championships were disappointing, however, with Gubin only finishing 10th and being forced to retire due to a kidney infection.

In 1959 Gubin won bronze in the 30 km individual race at the USSR cross-country championships to qualify for the Olympics. At the 1960 Squaw Valley Games he placed 15th in the 15 km event. Four years later he won another bronze in the 30 km event at the USSR championships to once again qualify for the Olympics. This time he competed in the 50 km event at the Innsbruck Games, finishing 14th. After retiring from the sport Gubin graduated from the coaching school at the Military Institute of Physical Culture in Leningrad to become a training instructor.