Oleg GONCHARENKO

In 1953, Oleg Goncharenko was the first Soviet speed skater to become World All-round Champion. He repeated this feat in 1956 and 1958 and was second in 1954 and 1955. He also won the following distance medals at the World Championships: 1,500 m – gold (1955 and 1958) and silver (1953); 5,000 m – gold (1953, 1954 and 1956) and bronze (1958); and 10,000 m – gold (1953 and 1954), silver (1956) and bronze (1955 and 1958). In 1957 and 1958, Goncharenko won the European All-round Championships and was second in 1955. He also won the following distance medals at the European Championships: 1,500 m – gold (1958) and silver 1954; 5,000 m – silver (1954, 1956 and 1957) and bronze (1955 and 1958); and 10,000 m – silver (1957). Domestically Goncharenko won Soviet titles in the all-round in 1956 and 1958 and was Soviet Champion at 5000 m in 1956 and at 10000 m in 1954 and 1956.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.2 (1960); 1500 – 2:11.6 (1960); 5000 – 7:57.5 (1956); 10000 – 16:36.4 (1956).