Oleg Ryzhenkov

Born Oleg Vladimirovich Ryzhenkov on 15 December 1967 in Naistenjärvi, Belarus, he is a former biathlete. Ryzhenkov has a long and very successful career. He competed in four Olympic Games - in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. His personal best result from all Games was a 9th place in the 20 km Individual in 1998 in Nagano. He was very successful with the relay team, coming at 4th place twice in 1994 and in 1998. During the 1994-1995 season, Ryzhenkov achieved his first two World Cup victories. On 28 January 1995 he won the 10 km sprint in Ruhpolding and on 11 March 1995 won the same discipline - the sprint in Lahti. Ryzhenkov has a total of 3 individual World Cup victories during his career. His third win was on 13 December 1998, when he won the 20 km Individual in Hochfilzen. Ryzhenkov won 10 medals from World Championships - 3 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze. He participated in all 14 World Championships from 1993 in Borovets until 2006 in Pokljuka. Most of his medals from the World Championships are with the relay team. At least all the three gold ones are. One silver is for the 20 km Individual in 1997 in Brezno-Osrblie, the other is for the relay win. Two of the bronze medals are for the 20 km Individual in 1995 in Antholz-Anterselva and the other for the 10 km sprint in Brezno-Osrblie. Oleg Ryzhenkov has a total of 11 individual career podiums. His best overall World Cup finish is 5th in 1994-1995. After the Olympics in Turin in 2006, he announced his retirement. Put an end to a fabulous career.