Vladimir GUNDARTSEV

Vladimir Gundratsev made his international début at the 1966 World Championships, where he won a bronze medal in the 20 km and was fourth as a member of the Soviet relay team. Gundratsev missed the 1967 World Championships, but was selected to the 1968 Olympic team. At the Olympic Games, Gundratsev first won a bronze medal in the 20 km and then skied one of the best legs in the relay, helping the Soviets win a gold medal. At the 1969 World Championships Gundratsev won a gold medal as a member of Soviet relay team, which was also his last international appearance. Domestically Gundratsev never won an individual Soviet title, but won two titles in the relay, in 1966 and 1967. After finishing his competitive career Gundratsev worked as a biathlon coach with Dynamo Moskva from 1974-89 and from 1989-95 was the head coach of the Soviet and later Russian national biathlon team.