Luvsansharavyn Tsend

Arguably Mongolia’s most prominent speed skater of all time, Luvsansharavyn Tsend started humbly: his first skates were self made from discarded pieces of a saw tied to his shoes. He later got to use proper skates. He first appeared internationally in the 1962 season, making his first of three World Championship appearances. He also was part of the first ever Mongolian speed skating team at the Olympics in Innsbruck 1964, where a 25th place in the 10,000 m was his best performance. Tsend would come back for two more Olympics in 1968 and 1972, although he placed last in both his distances in 1972. Of note, Tsend was selected as the Mongolian flag bearer in the opening ceremony for each of his Olympic appearances.

After winning his fourth Mongolian allround title in 1974 (adding to 1964, 1969-70), Tsend suffered a serious injury in 1976. When the bus he rode on crashed, his leg would not stop bleeding. After months in the hospital, Tsend was sent to the Soviet Union, where it was discovered he suffered from Hemophilia B - the first ever person with that diagnosis in Mongolia. Affected by his injuries, Tsend did not continue skating, but instead switched to coaching. He was a long time member of the national team coaching staff, making appearances in Albertville 1992 and in World Championships as late as 2008. Even after his retirement, he remained attached to the Mongolian Skating Federation as an advisor.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.1 (1971); 1500 – 2:14.9 (1971); 5000 – 7:59.8 (1969); 10000 – 16:10.2 (1970).