Beijing, 7 February 2022 (TDI): Alexander Bolshunov is a ROC Olympian who has won the first gold in the men’s 30-kilometer cross-country skiing in Beijing Winter Olympics. He claimed the medal on 6 February 2022.
During the race, Alexander fell but later on exploited the opportunity to claim the gold. The first 15-km consisted of classic skiing whereas in the second phase Alexander switched to freestyle skiing.
President Putin Congratulated Alexander Bolshunov
In particular, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, extended congratulations to Alexander Bolshunov for his impressive performance in men’s 2×15 km cross-country skiing.
Most importantly, he encouraged the athlete and stated that he carries outstanding fighting qualities and unyielding determination. Both these factors are required to win the most difficult track. Indeed, the performance of Alexander will inspire the other athletes of ROC.
Early Life Journey
Alexander Bolshunov was born in Podyvotye on 31 December 1996. He is 25 years old and is residing in Podyvotye. His father is Alexander Bolshunoc. He has studied at Penza State University. Above all, he can speak both Russian and English.
His hobbies include spending time with dog Falun. He named his dog Falun after winning his first World Cup Victory in Falun (2018).
Moreover, his clubs include SC Vodnik and SC Pomorie. In the field of skiing, coaches play a vital role in an athlete’s professional career.
In this context, his national coach is Markus Cramer whereas his one is Yury Borodavko. Cramer belongs to Germany whereas Borodavko is a Russian origin Coach. As far as his family is concerned, he married in April 2021. His wife is Anna Zherebyateva.
The father of Alexander runs a sawmill and her mother worked in forestry. During his school days, Alexander used to work on the farm or in the mills. His fun activities included hunting mushrooms and fishing as well. Accordingly, Alexander enjoys work. He says that work does well to his head.
Biographical Information
He debuted in 2017 when he took part in World Cup in Drammen. In brief, he became part of the National team in 2014. His biographical info is as under;
It is pertinent to note that Alexander Bolshunov has also given unstoppable performances in various world cup events of the current season.
Sporting Relatives
In this regard, the wife of Alexander, Anna Zherebyateva, belongs to the same field. She has won Junior World Championships in 2017. Besides, she is a two-time U23 World Championship medalist; in 2019 claimed gold and in 2018 got a silver medal.
On the other hand, his father, Alexander Bolshunov Sr. was his first coach. His father is the vital spiritual support until this day.
Other Sports Activities
Meanwhile, Alexander Bolshunov takes part in other sports activities as well. This includes roller skating.
In 2017, he won the gold medal at the World Championships in Sweden. But, his main goal is to claim gold in Winter Olympics 2022 which he has achieved as a part of ROC.
Why Cross-country Skiing?
In this context, Alexander Bolshunov explains three factors responsible for choosing the field of skiing.
- Firstly, he loves this sport.
- Secondly, in this sport, the athlete faces unrealized goals.
- And, Thirdly, in every race, he comes across an opponent whom he wants to overtake.
Awards
He got a medal in the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games in 2018. After that, he went to Kremlin to present his medals to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
However, In 2018, he also became a Master of Sport of International Class in Russia.
Milestones
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Olympic Winter Games
In 2017, he took part in the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games. In his debut game, he became a four-time medalist. He claimed three silver and one bronze medal. Silver medals were claimed in the team sprint, 4x10km relay, and 50km mass start.
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World Championships
In the same vein, Alexander Bolshunov is the eighth-time World Championship medalist. He won gold in skiathlon in 2021. He has also claimed six silver medals and one bronze.
In 2015-16, he competed at Junior World Championships where he won one silver medal.
Likewise, in 2017, he won two golds and one silver at the U23 World Championships.
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World Cup
In 2021, he entered his 100th World Cup with twenty-seven victories and fifty-six podiums. And, he also won the 2019/20 Tour de ski.
