Aleksandr SAFRONOV

Aleksandr Safronov, from Leningrad (St. Petersburg), broke the 1,000 m World Record in early April 1974. The following year, he won the World Sprint Championships, thanks to two wins in the 1,000. He therefore was among the favorites for the first Olympic 1,000 m in 1976, but suffered from the poor ice conditions and placed only fourth, 0.27 seconds behind his compatriot Valery Muratov in bronze position. It was his last major international appearance. Safronov twice placed second in the Soviet Sprint Championships, while winning the 1,500 m title in 1977.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.42 (1975); 1000 – 1:15.01 (1976); 1500 – 1:56.62 (1977); 5000 – 7:54.22 (1973).