Rafael GRACH

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).