Dmitry Sakunenko

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameDmitry Nikolayevich•Sakunenko
Used nameDmitry•Sakunenko
Original nameДмитрий Николаевич•Сакуненко
Born7 January 1930 in Talmenka, Altay Kray (RUS)
Died13 September 2014 in Vladimir, Vladimir (RUS)
AffiliationsTorpedo Vladimir
NOC Soviet Union
Nationality Russian Federation

Biography

Dmitry Sakunenko took up speed skating in 1948 and was on the Soviet national team from 1952-60. During his career, Sakunenko competed at the 1956 Olympics, placing 16th in the 5,000 metres; the 1954 and 1955 World All-Around Championships, finishing fifth and fourth, respectively, in all-around; and at the 1955, 1957 and 1958 European All-Around Championships, winning the all-around bronze in 1955. He also won two distance bronzes at the 1955 European Championships – in the 500 and 10,000 metres. Sakunenko set two world records during his career. At an international meet at Medeo on 9 January 1955, Sakunenko was the first person to skate 5,000 metres under eight minutes, clocking 7:54.9. In a later pair, Boris Shilkov improved this world record to 7:45.6. At the same competition Sakunenko also set a world all-around record with 184.638 points. Domestically Sakunenko won the Soviet all-around title in 1957 and the following distance medals at the Soviet Championships – silvers in 5,000 metres in 1952 and in 10,000 metres in 1952 and 1957 and bronze in 5,000 metres in 1953. After finishing his sporting career, Sakunenko worked as a speed skating coach with Trud Vladimir from 1960-72. From 1972-94 Sakunenko was a senior state inspector of fisheries for Vladimir Oblast. He also remained active in speed skating circles as a speed skating referee and organizer of competitions. He later was also a member of the Veterans Sports Council of Vladimir Oblast.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.6 (1955); 1500 – 2:11.9 (1957); 5000 – 7:54.9 (1955); 10000 – 16:44.3 (1955).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal Nationality As
1956 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) URS RUS Dmitry Sakunenko
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 16

Special Notes