Ivan GARANIN

Ivan Garanin made his international début at the 1972 Olympic Games where he was 17th in the 50 km. At the 1974 World Championships he won silver in the relay and was fourth at 50 km He won a bronze at the 1976 Olympic Games in both 30 km and the relay and was fourth at both 15 km and 50 km. In 1977 Garanin also became the first Soviet skier to win the Vasaloppet. Domestically he won seven Soviet titles – 1975 in the 30 km, 1971 and 1975 at 50 km, and in 1972, 1975 and 1977 over 70 km. After his sporting career Garanin worked as a children’s coach in his native Kazakhstan.