Athlete. Born in Moscow, Russia, she was a Soviet speed ice skater and the first four-time All World Champion in women’s speed skating history. She won the All-round World Championships in 1957, 1958 and 1962, and was second in 1963 and 1964 before capturing her fourth World Championships title in 1965. Over the course of her career, she set records in 1962, with new marks on the 500 m, 1,500 m and 3,000 m, which also resulted in a new world record on the combination 500 m – 1,000 m – 1,500 m – 3,000 m, the distances then in use at the World All-round Championships for women. She was also eight times winner of the prestigious Kirov Prize, winning all editions between 1958 and 1965. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)