Irina YEGOROVA

Irina Yegorova was first recognized as one of the world's top sprinters in 1962, when she skated 500 metres in 45.3 at Medeo; however, it was not recognized as a World Record. Internationally Yegorova débuted at the 1963 World All-around Championships, where she won silver at the 500 metres and was fourth in the all-around. That same year she also equaled the 1,000 m World Record, but again her time was not recognized. In 1964, Yegorova first won two silvers in 500 m and 1,000 m behind the great Lidiya Skoblikova at the Olympic Games and a week later won the 500 m at the World All-around Championships. At the 1965 World All-around Championships, Yegorova won two silvers in the 500 and 1,000 and at the 1966 World All-around Championships she again won the 500. Yegorova's last international medal came at the 1967 World All-around Championships, where she won silver in the 500 m and she made her last international appearance at the 1968 Olympics, where she was ninth in the 500 and fifth in the 1,000. Domestically Yegorova won one Soviet title, in 1963, was a runner-up in 1969 and won bronze in 1968 (all in the 500). After her sporting career ended, Yegorova worked as a high school teacher.

Personal Bests: 500 – 45.0 (1968); 1000 – 1:31.2 (1970); 1500 – 2:24.6 (1962); 3000 – 5:10.8 (1969).