MASTERS TRIATHLON TEAM
THE MAIN VALUE OF THE TEAM IS ITS ATHLETES
ALEXANDER BARKAR, 64
MOSCOW
TEAM CAPTAIN
Master of Sports of the USSR in athletics. Ski marathon runner. Started doing triathlon in 2015. He has won several triathlon competitions, including Ironman 70.3.
48 starts, 21 wins, 26 podiums, 16 starts of half-iron distances (113km).
– European Championship Kazan Sprint / 2019: 12th place;
– Race IM70.3 Turkey / 2021: 3rd place, World Championship qualification;
– Race IM70.3 St. Petersburg / 2021: 2nd place, World Championship qualification;
– Race IM70.3 Turkey / 2022: 1st place, World Championship qualification;
– Race IM70.3 Turkey / 2023: 2nd place, World Championship qualification.
LEONID BOGUSLAVSKY, 74
ITALY
TEAM GENERAL SPONSOR
In 2013, at the age of 62, Leonid read a book given to him about triathlon and immediately decided to try to swim, bike and run the short Olympic distance himself. He soon took part in his first long Ironman triathlon and placed third in his age group. In 2015, he qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. He was hampered by two serious injuries after a fall in a cycling race in the Pyrenees two months before the start and a training session at sea in a storm a month before the start. He underwent three operations, was fitted with a prosthetic hip joint, a femoral fixation and forbidden to run. Leonid started to master sports walking. Six months later he already participated in the North American Championships at the full Ironman distance, overcoming by walking the running stage of the marathon and meeting the control time. 6 years later, he qualified for the Ironman 2021 and 2022 World Championships, finishing second at Ironman Tallinn and first at Ironman Italy. In October 2022, he had a successful finish at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
35 starts, 16 podiums, 18 starts of half-iron distances (113km), 10 Ironman starts (226km), 4 full distance Ironman World Championship qualifications, 2 half distance Ironman 70.3 qualifications.
VALENTIN CHERNOV, 79
KALUGA
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in road cycling and biathlon. Ski marathon runner. Made his first start in triathlon at the age of 71. The first half-iron distance (113 km) was covered at the age of 75 in 7:18:21. 10th place in the 70+ group at the European Championships.
38 starts, 22 wins, 9 podiums, 18 starts of half-iron distances (113km)
ANATOLY AFONENKO, 78
KONAKOVO, TVER REGION
Candidate for Master of Sports in skiing. Coach in athletics. Five-time Ironman! He has run 51 half marathons and 78 marathons. Ski marathoner, has 64 completed ski marathons behind him, Russialoppet Gold Master!
In triathlon, 69 starts, 47 wins, 11 podiums, 15 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ANATOLY SHAKHMATOV, 77
MOSCOW
Honoured Coach of the USSR. Master of Sports of the USSR in swimming. Ski marathon runner. One of the founders of the triathlon movement in the USSR. He started to participate in triathlon competitions since 1989 at various distances from sprint to Ironman, at the championships and cups of the USSR, Russia, Europe and the world.
More than 150 starts, more than 100 podiums, 87 wins, 3 half-iron distance starts (113km), 2 iron distance starts (226km), qualification for the Kona World Championships. Multiple winner of European Cup stages in Alanya between 2000 and 2018, winner of the Alanya World Cup stage in 2014, European Champion 2019.
VITALY KIM, 76
MOSCOW
All his life he has been involved in amateur sports: tennis, windsurfing, kitesurfing, freeride skiing.
In 2014, at the age of 65, he ran 10 kilometres for the first time at a corporate sports day.
In triathlon he made his first start in 2015 at the Olympic distance in Abu Dhabi. Then:
– Ironman 70.3 Estonia – 2017
– Ironman 140.6 Barcelona – 2019
– Ironman 70.3 Turkey – 2023
– Bronze Horseman 113km – 2022
– Ironstar 113 km N. Novgorod – 2023
– Ironstar 113 km Moscow – 2024
7 starts, 4 podiums, 5 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
BORIS
BARUZDIN, 75
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
Master of Sports of the USSR in road cycling, Сandidate Master of Sports in track and field athletics, orienteering, military triathlon, officer’s all-round race. Marathon runner. In 1987 took part in the 15-day super marathon Okha-Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (1000 km). Participated in the Olympic Torch Relay in Moscow on the eve of the Athens Olympics.
Started competing in triathlon in 2021 at the age of 71.
15 starts, 9 wins, 6 podiums, 7 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
LYUDMILA VORONOVA, 74
NOVOSIBIRSK
TEAM IRON LADY
One of the most titled age-group triathletes in Russia. Winner and medallist of World Championships and International starts among masters of senior and middle age in polyathlon, swimming, cross-country skiing and triathlon. Ski marathon runner.
Until the age of 24, she was engaged in artistic gymnastics under the Candidate Master of Sports programme. After the age of 30, she played for the NSO national team in military-applied sports (marine, rescue, military-applied and army). At the age of 34 she became a candidate master of sports in military-applied sports. At the age of 37 she started to compete in Triathlon since 1988 and within 10 years she won in absolute and was among the three prize-winners. At the age of 41 she became a candidate master of sports in triathlon. At the age of 45, Master of Sports in Polyathlon. At the age of 46 she finished her second higher sport and pedagogical education. Raised 11 masters of sports and more than 40 candidates for master of sports. At the age of 47 receives the certificate of judge of the All-Russian category. For more than 10 years she has been the head of the NSO PT and is engaged in the organisation of triathlon competitions, on which the masters of the Siberian region have grown up. At the same time she performs herself. At the age of 56 she is the third woman in Russia to do her first IRONMAN in Korea on Jiju Island (1st place in the group and 494 out of 1052 participants). Lyudmila wins her age group at all the starts and qualifies for the World Championships, but she only managed to compete at three of them:
1) Kona Hawaii IRONMAN 226km / 2012: 14th place out of 30 women.
2) World Championships Grand Final London, England Olympic distance / 2013: 3rd place out of 45 women
3) World Championships Nice, France IRONMAN 113 km / 2019: participation
108 starts in triathlon, 88 wins, 13 podiums (including 7 victories and 28 podiums in the all-round), 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 9 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ANATOLY MARTYNKO, 73
VLADIVOSTOK
Master of Sports of the USSR in winter all-round GTO, Master of Sports according to the RLLS version in cross-country skiing, skiing coach. Ski marathon runner. In triathlon starts from 2019.
About 25 starts, 10 podiums, 11 wins.
ALEXANDER EVSIKOV, 71
MOSCOW REGION
Amateur athlete. Ski marathoner. Repeated winner of Ironman. Started doing triathlons in 2006. In 2020 made 3 iron distance starts in 3 days, getting out of 13 hours.
53 starts, 25 wins, 9 podiums, 28 half-iron distance starts (113km), 12 iron distance starts (226km).
– World Championships 70.3 Nice / 2019: participation
– World Championships Kona Hawaii / 2019: slot to participate.
– World Championships 70.3 New Zealand / 2024: participation slot
– World Championships Kona Hawaii / 2024: participation slot.
VICTOR CHELOVECHKIN, 71
KEMEROVO
Candidate for Master of Sports in the TRP all-round competition. In 1979-1980 – Champion of Kuzbass, and in 1980 – Champion of Siberia in summer TRP all-round competition.
In 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 – winner, and in 2022 and 2023 – silver medallist of Altai3Race 113 in the 65+ group.
In 2022 – silver medallist of the Russian Triathlon Championship on the distance of 113 km in the city of Belovo.
2019, 2020. – Winner and in 2022 – silver medallist of IRONSTAR 226 SOSCHI in the 65-69 age group.
In 2024:
– 1st place at the Russian Triathlon Cup (Olympic distance) in Belovo (group 70+).
– 1st place in the 70+ group at the Russian Championship on the half-iron distance.
– 1st place at IRONSTAR 113 SOCHI.
– 2nd place IRONMAN 70.3 Turkey in the group 70-74.
65 starts, 38 wins, 26 podiums, 12 starts of half-iron distance (113 km), 3 starts of iron distance (226 km).
SALIKH YUSUPOV, 71
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN
Regularly involved in sports since the age of 60, in triathlon since 68. He has competed at different distances and participated in different triathlon formats. He covered his first half-iron distance (113 km) at the age of 70 and completed the second half in the same year. The goal in triathlon is to successfully qualify and start at the World Championships in Kona.
8 starts, 7 wins, 2 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
GENNADY
PETROV, 70
NOVOSIBIRSK
Candidate for Master of Sports in cross-country skiing and winter polyathlon. Ski marathon runner. In triathlon he made his first start in 1989 in Novosibirsk on the Olympic distance as an amateur. He has been participating in winter triathlon since 2019. Twice he was at the World Amateur Championships, in 2020 in Italy he became a bronze medallist. Repeatedly started at the Russian Federation Championship and took prizes: in 2023 – 1st place and in 2024 – 3rd place.
34 starts, 4 wins, 26 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ISKANDAR SHAKHOV, 70
KRASNOYARSK
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate for master of sports in triathlon. Ski marathon runner. Started triathlon in 1988. Participant of the USSR, CIS, RSFSR and Russian championships. Overcame the classic iron distance (226 km) in 1991 at the Trans-Estonia competition.
In the amateur category:
1. 33-fold winner and 6-fold medallist of Russian triathlon championships and triathlon disciplines;
2. Participant of the World Cup, World Championships and European Cups in triathlon, winter triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon, cross-triathlon, cross-duathlon – 37 starts in total, including 11 podiums and 3 victories;
3. Winner of the 2013 World Masters Games in the sprint distance in triathlon and medallist in duathlon;
4. Finished the half-iron distance (113km) 7 times, including: 1 start of the Challenge 70.3 European Championships, 3 starts of 113 km in Russia (1 win and 2 podiums), 3 starts of Ironman 70.3 (1 win (World Cup slot) and 1 podium)
He does not keep exact statistics of performances, but approximately: more than 100 triathlons, more than 60 starts in winter triathlon, more than 50 in various disciplines of triathlon. 34-time winner of the Russian Championship, 8 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
EVGENY MAROCHKIN, 68
SMOLENSK REGION
Master of Sports of the USSR in road bicycle racing. Karate coach, holder of the 4th dan. Silver medalist of the European Triathlon Championship.
Evgeny started triathlon in 2016 in order to support his son. He continues to train young karate players.
22 starts, 13 wins, 9 podiums, 1 start of the semi-iron distance (113km).
— European Championship Kazan Sprint 2019 – 2nd place.
ALEKSANDR ROMANENKO, 69
BURGAS, BULGARIA
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate for master of sports in 1500 metres (1500-3.46), winner of the USSR championship in 1500 among juniors (1977), Estonian champion 1979. Winner of the Leningrad GTO championship (1981).
Started doing triathlon in 2018. In 2024 did the first 1/2 IronMan in Antalya (Turkey).
19 starts, 6 wins, 8 podiums, 2 starts of half-iron’ distance (113 km).
– World Championships Marbella Spain / 2025: slot for participation.
KHOSNULLA SAPUKOV, 69
SAMARA REGION
TEAM DOCTOR
Candidate master of sports in skiing. Ski marathon runner. In the sport for over 50 years, has been cross-country skiing since the age of 15. In triathlon since 2021. In addition to triathlon, he participates in cross-country skiing and long distance running events, including marathons. Professionally, Hosnulla is a practising orthopaedic trauma surgeon of the highest category with over 40 years of experience. He is a prize-winner of regional competitions in skiing, summer marathons. In the asset – 2 classical marathons in 1988 and 1990.
In triathlon, 11 starts, 5 wins, 3 podiums, 3 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
NIKOLAY POLOVINKIN, 68
MOSCOW REGION
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in officer’s all-round competition. Ski marathon runner. Ran 38 marathons, 47 half marathons. Participated in Altai Ultra-Trail races: 2016. – 105 km, 2017. – 155 km, 2018. – 110 kilometres. Has completed 20 ski marathons in the Russialoppet series. Climbed Khan Tengri (6995 m) in 2009. Started triathlon in 2013.
38 starts, 4 wins, 15 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 2 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
SERGEY BOGDANOV, 67
MOSCOW
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate Master of Sports in triathlon, ski marathon runner. He has been involved in triathlon since the age of 49. In 2013 he took part in the Ironman series for the first time, and the following year he took third place at Ironman Sweden and qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. In 2018, he qualified for the World Championships in Norway for the second time and finished 5th at the World Championships in Kona (Hawaii) in the M60-64 group.
79 starts, 31 wins, 54 podiums, 29 starts of the half-iron distance (113km), 9 starts of the iron distance (226km).
SERGEY EGOROV, 67
SAN DIEGO
Amateur sportsman. As a child he was involved in gymnastics, skiing, boxing, in his youth he added alpine skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering and river rafting.
He became interested in competitions at the age of 48 after taking part in a 10 kilometre obstacle race. At 50 he ran his first marathon, at 51 his first sprint triathlon, at 52 his first half-iron distance and at 53 his first iron distance.
Have finished 10 iron distance starts so far – plan is to do 12 and get a legacy slot on Kona.
Finished 21 halves – plan is to do a half on every continent, Africa is left.
196 starts, 15 podiums, 23 starts of the half-iron distance (113km), 10 starts of the iron distance (226km).
– World Championships 70.3 New Zealand / 2024: Participation slot
SERGEY KOLYSHEV, 67
MOSCOW REGION
Master of Sports of the USSR in polyathlon. Ski marathon runner, holds the title of WorldLoppet ‘master’. 5 times ‘master’ of Euroloppet. Since 2008 he has been participating in ascents and races on Elbrus. He first took up triathlon in the 1980s and took part in the start in Tartu in 1989.
About 60 starts, 4 wins, about 15 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
EVGENY MEDVEDEV, 67
MOSCOW
Amateur sportsman. Since childhood, he has been involved in various sports at the amateur level: athletics, rowing, water tourism, cycling, table tennis.
He started to take part in triathlon in 2020, starting at the ‘sprint’ distance. He completed his first iron distance at the age of 66.
11 starts, 1 win, 1 podium, 4 half-iron distance starts (113 km), 1 iron distance start (226 km).
VICTOR SIVKOV, 67
CHELYABINSK REGION
Master of Sports in marine multiathlon, member of the USSR national team. Repeated prize-winner of the Ministry of Ferrous and Nonferrous Metallurgy in GTO and marine multiathlon. Worked as a coach at the DOSAAF Maritime School of the regional committee. The junior girls’ team under Victor’s leadership took the 2nd place at the RSFSR championship. Three girls were included in the USSR national team and then became world champions in the World Police Games. In 1999 – silver medallist of the World Championships in England in cross country athletics in the category ‘masters’. In 2007 – bronze medallist at the World Championships in Italy in cross country athletics. Started doing triathlon in 2019. Annually takes prizes among veterans.
38 starts, 2 wins, 23 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
MIKHAIL FEOKTISTOV, 67
MOSCOW
Amateur athlete. Ski marathon runner, more than forty ski marathons completed. Participates in triathlon starts since 1998. Total of 44 starts in Olympic distance and sprints, three podiums in European Cup and one podium in 5km open water in Alanya.
SERGEI ZAKROYSHCHIKOV, 66
MOSCOW
Candidate for Master of Sports in orienteering. Since childhood he was engaged in running, cycling, skiing, fulfilled the standards of 1st category and candidate master of sports in certain disciplines. During his student years he was a member of the university teams in athletics and orienteering, many times he was a winner and prize-winner of student competitions in Moscow. He has been involved in the Masters category since 2016, took part in the first Gran Fondo cycling race in the Russian Federation, since then he has been a regular participant of GF and Cyclingrace. Regularly raced in the top 10 per cent. Participated in the Iron Star Olympic 2019 in Sochi as part of the relay, took 28th place in the absolute, 11th place in the category
3 starts in Estonia as part of the relay (cycling leg), 1 podium.
ALEXANDER ISAEV, 66
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
Amateur athlete. Has been involved in triathlon since the age of 55. In 2018 for the first time took part in the IronStar competition in Sochi and took 3rd place in his age category.
12 starts, 2 wins, 6 podiums, 6 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 1 start of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXANDER LEPSKY, 66
RIGA, LATVIA
HEAD COACH OF THE TEAM
Master of Sports of the USSR in officer’s all-round competition. Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in swimming and marine multiathlon. Has been involved in triathlon since 1987. One of the founders of the USSR Triathlon Federation. Coach of the USSR national triathlon team (1989-1991), USSR Armed Forces national triathlon team (1989-1991), Latvian national triathlon team (1989-2000). Vice-president of the Latvian Triathlon Federation (1989-2000). Since 2016 up to the present time – IRONMAN certified coach. Founder and coach of the sports clubs ‘TRI-N’ (1990-1995) and ‘LEPSKY TRI COACHING SYSTEMS’ (2016 – present). Co-author of the book ‘Triathlon. History’ of the Russian Triathlon Federation (2022). Since 2016, more than 25 athletes have been prepared for the start of the full IM distance, more than 100 athletes have been prepared for the start of the IM70.3 distance.
22 starts in various triathlon distances, 2 wins, 3 podiums.
– Olympic Distance World Championships Cleveland (USA) / 1996: participation
– IM70.3 Venice / 2024: participation
– IM70.3 Turkey / 2024: participation
MARINA MALIKOVA, 66
MOSCOW
At the age of 13 she started swimming, swam for 2 years at school, fulfilled the 1st category. In the 1st-3rd year of the institute she continued swimming, was a member of the MAI national team (1st category), in the 4th year she joined the MAI alp-section and achieved 2nd category in mountaineering. She started triathlon at the age of 59, after her son Malikov Alexey ran his first Ironman. Her goal in triathlon is to popularise the sport by personal example among her children, grandchildren and employees.
17 starts, 7 wins, 6 podiums.
ALEXANDER NAUMOV, 66
SAINT PETERSBURG
Amateur athlete. In 2017 started running and in 2019 took part in his first triathlon (cross country). After that he participated many times in classic triathlon and indoor triathlon.
The goal is to finish the full distance in an IRONMAN race.
10 starts, 2 wins, 1 podium, 3 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
NIKOLAI NOVIKOV, 66
KONAKOVO
Amateur athlete. Amateur skier, ski marathoner, has run 5 cross-country marathons (including 3 wins and 1 podium) and 10 ski marathons (including 3 podiums).
As a triathlete he started competing at the age of 60.
22 starts, 11 wins, 6 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
VLADIMIR VASILENKO, 65
MOSCOW
Master of Sports of the USSR in officer’s multiathlon. Ski marathon runner. At school he was engaged in track and field athletics. He was a member of the Oryol Oblast national team in the middle distances (800 and 1500 metres). Repeated winner of the Moscow championship in the officers’ all-round competition among law enforcement agencies. Started competing in triathlon competitions in 2019.
19 starts, 1 win, 7 podiums, 6 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
TOM MCINNES, 65
MALLORCA, SPAIN
In 2003, at age 43, Tom McInnes from Scotland stumbled into triathlon during a marathon training camp in Lanzarote. Hearing about the Ironman Lanzarote, he impulsively signed up despite barely knowing how to swim or bike. He finished the grueling race and fell in love with the sport, going on to compete in over 170 triathlons. In February 2023 he had a cycling accident and suffered a fractured femur, but after having titanium screws fitted and recovering he is back on track. Now, he’s chasing qualification for the Ironman World Championships in Kona 2026 and the 70.3 World Champs annually, savoring the global destinations. His athletic journey began with schoolboy football in Scotland, followed by amateur boxing into his 30s, then long-distance running. Tom’s highlight race is the iconic Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco.
More than 170 starts, 57 wins, 61 podiums, 84 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 23 starts of the iron distance (226 km), 15 World Championship races!
MARIA ISAEVA, 64
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
From the age of 5 she was engaged in figure skating, from 10 to 13 – in artistic gymnastics. She has 1 adult category. From 15 to 19 years old she was engaged in badminton at the section of Lobachevsky State University, has 1 adult category. She has been involved in triathlon since the age of 56. In 2018 for the first time took part in the IronStar competition in Sochi and took 2nd place in the category.
17 starts, 2 wins, 5 podiums.
VADIM MAVLYUBERDINOV, 64
ORYOL
Amateur athlete. Ski marathoner. Started competing in triathlon in 2018. Repeated winner of triathlon competitions. Winner of Ironman 70.3 in 2021. Winner of the Russian Duathlon Cup (4 Rings Cup) in 2023 among amateurs.
31 starts, 3 wins, 12 podiums, 16 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ALEXEY MARUEV, 64
MOSCOW
Ski marathoner. In triathlon since 2005. Current candidate for master of sports in triathlon. In 2022 he fulfilled the norm for winter triathlon. Constant winner or medallist in his age category!
More than 300 starts, about 40 wins, about 100 podiums, more than 10 starts of half-iron distance (113 km), 1 start of iron distance (226 km).
VALERY PODLESNY, 64
KRASNOYARSK
Candidate for Master of Sports in speed diving, candidate for Master of Sports in GTO multiathlon. Ski marathoner. Started doing triathlon in autumn 2019 at the age of 58. In his youth until the age of 24, he was involved in high-speed underwater sports (candidate master of sports), summer GTO multiathlon (candidate master of sports). At the age of 40, he became a candidate for Master of Sports in powerlifting. Did his first Ironman at the age of 60.
21 starts, 5 wins, 13 podiums, 9 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 3 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
OLEG SUKHODOLIN, 64
TOMSK
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Master of Sports of the USSR in service hexathlon. He was engaged in track and field athletics, endurance running, various kinds of all-round sports. He fulfilled the standard of a candidate for master of sports in 10 sports. Master of Sports in cross-country skiing. Ski marathon runner. Started doing triathlon in 2006. Took part in Ironman 2007 in Hungary. World Champion, six-time European Champion, multiple Russian Champion in various disciplines of triathlon. In 2011 Oleg Sukhodolin became World Champion in both summer (swimming – bicycle – running) and winter (skiing – bicycle – running) variants of triathlon.
About 110 starts, about 85 wins, about 20 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
VLADIMIR TSAPLIN, 63
MOSCOW REGION
Master of Sports of the USSR in military multiathlon. Three times ‘master’ of Worldloppet. Ski marathoner, more than 100 ski marathons in different countries and continents. 5-time Ironman! Repeated winner and medallist in triathlon events.
48 starts, 2 wins, 12 podiums, 20 starts of the half-iron distance, 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXEY ASAFYEV, 61
MOSCOW
Candidate for Master of Sports in sailing.
Alexey started doing sports at the age of 7. At the age of 12 he was the second in the All-Union swimming competition. He began to specialize in fin swimming, received the title of Candidate for Master of Underwater Sports. At the same time he got interested in volleyball, as part of the team he won the Moscow Championship among sports schools in his age group. He also received the title of the Candidate for Master of Sports in sailing. He was the team captain that took the third place at the USSR Windsurfing Cup 1991. In 2004 Alexey participated in Antigua Sail Week, an unofficial world championship among ocean yachts, where his team’s yacht took fourth place. Alexey took the prize at his first triathlon in 2017 in Bronnitsy. Since then, he competed in triathlon, open water swimming, cycling and running, where he
won winning prizes.
He died in an accident during triathlon
training in 2022.
ANDREY GOMAGIN, 62
SAINT PETERSBURG
In the institute he was professionally engaged in GTO multathlon, from 1981 to 1986. He fulfilled the standard of candidate master of sports, then he was engaged in mountain tourism, also fulfilled the standard of candidate master of sports, took part in rogaining competitions (daily format of orienteering), won many times at city competitions, at the European championship I was 4th. Then he had a big break, ran a little, swam a little, skied. He did my first triathlon back in 1988 on the pike lake in the Leningrad region, but returned to triathlon in the summer of 2021.
The goal is to participate in the KONA World Championships.
17 starts, 5 wins, 9 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 4 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXANDER ZELENOV, 62
SAMARA
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in water tourism. He was a participant of rafting on mountain rivers of the 6th category of complexity, led hikes of the 5th category of complexity. He went on difficult hikes on skis, bicycles, motorbikes. Took part in ascents to Elbrus, Kazbek, Mont Blanc, Aconcagua. Ski marathon runner. Participated in cross-country skiing and long distance running competitions, including marathons. Got into triathlon in 2018. In 2023 became the winner of IRONSTAR SAMARA on the Olympic distance, bronze medallist of IRONSTAR 226 SOCHI in the age group 60-64.
More than 15 starts, 1 win, 1 podium, 5 starts of half-iron distance (113 km), 1 start of iron distance (226 km).
ALEXANDER KNIAZEV, 62
MOSCOW
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in boxing. At the age of 55 he found out about IRONMAN, he got the idea to become an Ironman and since autumn 2018 started to train and start systematically. In July 2023 he was selected for IRONMAN KAZAKHSTAN and in September 2023 finished at the IRONMAN NICE World Championship.
23 starts, 2 wins, 1 podium, 15 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 3 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
AIVARS UZOLS, 62
LATVIA
He became acquainted with triathlon at the age of 40, and today this sport plays a huge role in his life. Aivar is dedicated to healthy lifestyle and triathlon. He is a sports teacher by education, works with children, guides and introduces them to triathlon and general physical training. Aivar’s goal is to participate in the Kona World Championships!
62 starts, 32 wins, 22 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXEY BYKOV, 61
SAINT PETERSBURG
Amateur athlete, ski marathon runner. He has been keen on cyclic sports since 2015. He made his first triathlon start in 2017. Participated and won at Ironman 70.3 three times: in Finland, Turkey and Russia.
77 starts, 66 wins, 7 podiums, 35 starts of the ‘half-ironman’ distance (113 km).
ALEXANDER GASHNIKOV, 61
NOVOSIBIRSK REGION
Has been involved in sports since the age of 10 (cross-country skiing). Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in cross-country skiing, Master of Sports of the RLLS, Candidate for Master of Sports of Russia in winter triathlon, Candidate for Master of Sports of Russia in duathlon. Two-time bronze medallist of the World Winter Triathlon Championship. Winner of the Russian Championship in the ski marathon, winner of the Russian Championship in the half-iron distance (113 km) and sprint distance in his age group. Started triathlon in 2018.
21 starts, 10 wins, 8 podiums, 7 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ANDREY SOKOLOV, 61
MOSCOW
Amateur sportsman. He has been involved in sports since childhood – volleyball and athletics. Then, at the amateur level, tennis and football.
At the age of 50 he became interested in marathon running. Participated in six marathons, including Vienna, St Petersburg and four times in Moscow.
He has been involved in triathlon since 2015.
32 starts, 5 podiums, 22 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 7 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXEY DOZOROV, 60
MOSCOW REGION
Amateur sportsman. During his school years he was actively engaged in ski racing and winter multiathlon. He was a member of the Institute’s winter all-round GTO team.
Since 2014, he started doing triathlon.
Total 24 triathlon starts, including 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km), 1 podium on the iron distance.
ALEXANDER BARKAR, 64
MOSCOW
TEAM CAPTAIN
Master of Sports of the USSR in athletics. Ski marathon runner. Started doing triathlon in 2015. He has won several triathlon competitions, including Ironman 70.3.
48 starts, 21 wins, 26 podiums, 16 starts of half-iron distances (113km).
– European Championship Kazan Sprint / 2019: 12th place;
– Race IM70.3 Turkey / 2021: 3rd place, World Championship qualification;
– Race IM70.3 St. Petersburg / 2021: 2nd place, World Championship qualification;
– Race IM70.3 Turkey / 2022: 1st place, World Championship qualification;
– Race IM70.3 Turkey / 2023: 2nd place, World Championship qualification.
ANATOLY AFONENKO, 78
KONAKOVO, TVER REGION
Candidate for Master of Sports in skiing. Coach in athletics. Five-time Ironman! He has run 51 half marathons and 78 marathons. Ski marathoner, has 64 completed ski marathons behind him, Russialoppet Gold Master!
In triathlon, 69 starts, 47 wins, 11 podiums, 15 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
VALENTIN CHERNOV, 79
KALUGA
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in road cycling and biathlon. Ski marathon runner. Made his first start in triathlon at the age of 71. The first half-iron distance (113 km) was covered at the age of 75 in 7:18:21. 10th place in the 70+ group at the European Championships.
38 starts, 22 wins, 9 podiums, 18 starts of half-iron distances (113km)
ANATOLY SHAKHMATOV, 77
MOSCOW
Honoured Coach of the USSR. Master of Sports of the USSR in swimming. Ski marathon runner. One of the founders of the triathlon movement in the USSR. He started to participate in triathlon competitions since 1989 at various distances from sprint to Ironman, at the championships and cups of the USSR, Russia, Europe and the world.
More than 150 starts, more than 100 podiums, 87 wins, 3 half-iron distance starts (113km), 2 iron distance starts (226km), qualification for the Kona World Championships. Multiple winner of European Cup stages in Alanya between 2000 and 2018, winner of the Alanya World Cup stage in 2014, European Champion 2019.
BORIS BARUZDIN, 75
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
Master of Sports of the USSR in road cycling, Сandidate Master of Sports in track and field athletics, orienteering, military triathlon, officer’s all-round race. Marathon runner. In 1987 took part in the 15-day super marathon Okha-Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (1000 km). Participated in the Olympic Torch Relay in Moscow on the eve of the Athens Olympics.
Started competing in triathlon in 2021 at the age of 71.
15 starts, 9 wins, 6 podiums, 7 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
LYUDMILA VORONOVA, 74
NOVOSIBIRSK
TEAM IRON LADY
One of the most titled age-group triathletes in Russia. Winner and medallist of World Championships and International starts among masters of senior and middle age in polyathlon, swimming, cross-country skiing and triathlon. Ski marathon runner. Until the age of 24, she was engaged in artistic gymnastics under the Candidate Master of Sports programme. After the age of 30, she played for the NSO national team in military-applied sports (marine, rescue, military-applied and army). At the age of 34 she became a candidate master of sports in military-applied sports. At the age of 37 she started to compete in Triathlon since 1988 and within 10 years she won in absolute and was among the three prize-winners. At the age of 41 she became a candidate master of sports in triathlon. At the age of 45, Master of Sports in Polyathlon. At the age of 46 she finished her second higher sport and pedagogical education. Raised 11 masters of sports and more than 40 candidates for master of sports. At the age of 47 receives the certificate of judge of the All-Russian category. For more than 10 years she has been the head of the NSO PT and is engaged in the organisation of triathlon competitions, on which the masters of the Siberian region have grown up. At the same time she performs herself. At the age of 56 she is the third woman in Russia to do her first IRONMAN in Korea on Jiju Island (1st place in the group and 494 out of 1052 participants). Lyudmila wins her age group at all the starts and qualifies for the World Championships, but she only managed to compete at three of them:
1) Kona Hawaii IRONMAN 226km / 2012: 14th place out of 30 women.
2) World Championships Grand Final London, England Olympic distance / 2013: 3rd place out of 45 women
3) World Championships Nice, France IRONMAN 113 km / 2019: participation
108 starts in triathlon, 88 wins, 13 podiums (including 7 victories and 28 podiums in the all-round), 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 9 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
EVGENY MAROCHKIN, 68
SMOLENSK REGION
Master of Sports of the USSR in road bicycle racing. Karate coach, holder of the 4th dan. Silver medalist of the European Triathlon Championship.
Evgeny started triathlon in 2016 in order to support his son. He continues to train young karate players.
22 starts, 13 wins, 9 podiums, 1 start of the semi-iron distance (113km).
— European Championship Kazan Sprint 2019 – 2nd place.
VICTOR CHELOVECHKIN, 71
KEMEROVO
Candidate for Master of Sports in the TRP all-round competition. In 1979-1980 – Champion of Kuzbass, and in 1980 – Champion of Siberia in summer TRP all-round competition.
In 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 – winner, and in 2022 and 2023 – silver medallist of Altai3Race 113 in the 65+ group.
In 2022 – silver medallist of the Russian Triathlon Championship on the distance of 113 km in the city of Belovo.
2019, 2020. – Winner and in 2022 – silver medallist of IRONSTAR 226 SOSCHI in the 65-69 age group.
In 2024:
– 1st place at the Russian Triathlon Cup (Olympic distance) in Belovo (group 70+).
– 1st place in the 70+ group at the Russian Championship on the half-iron distance.
– 1st place at IRONSTAR 113 SOCHI.
– 2nd place IRONMAN 70.3 Turkey in the group 70-74.
65 starts, 38 wins, 26 podiums, 12 starts of half-iron distance (113 km), 3 starts of iron distance (226 km).
SALIKH YUSUPOV, 71
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN
Regularly involved in sports since the age of 60, in triathlon since 68. He has competed at different distances and participated in different triathlon formats. He covered his first half-iron distance (113 km) at the age of 70 and completed the second half in the same year. The goal in triathlon is to successfully qualify and start at the World Championships in Kona.
8 starts, 7 wins, 2 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ISKANDAR SHAKHOV, 70
KRASNOYARSK
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate for master of sports in triathlon. Ski marathon runner. Started triathlon in 1988. Participant of the USSR, CIS, RSFSR and Russian championships. Overcame the classic iron distance (226 km) in 1991 at the Trans-Estonia competition.
In the amateur category:
1. 33-fold winner and 6-fold medallist of Russian triathlon championships and triathlon disciplines;
2. Participant of the World Cup, World Championships and European Cups in triathlon, winter triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon, cross-triathlon, cross-duathlon – 37 starts in total, including 11 podiums and 3 victories;
3. Winner of the 2013 World Masters Games in the sprint distance in triathlon and medallist in duathlon;
4. Finished the half-iron distance (113km) 7 times, including: 1 start of the Challenge 70.3 European Championships, 3 starts of 113 km in Russia (1 win and 2 podiums), 3 starts of Ironman 70.3 (1 win (World Cup slot) and 1 podium)
He does not keep exact statistics of performances, but approximately: more than 100 triathlons, more than 60 starts in winter triathlon, more than 50 in various disciplines of triathlon. 34-time winner of the Russian Championship, 8 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
GENNADY PETROV, 70
NOVOSIBIRSK
Candidate for Master of Sports in cross-country skiing and winter polyathlon. Ski marathon runner. In triathlon he made his first start in 1989 in Novosibirsk on the Olympic distance as an amateur. He has been participating in winter triathlon since 2019. Twice he was at the World Amateur Championships, in 2020 in Italy he became a bronze medallist. Repeatedly started at the Russian Federation Championship and took prizes: in 2023 – 1st place and in 2024 – 3rd place.
34 starts, 4 wins, 26 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ALEXANDER EVSIKOV, 71
MOSCOW REGION
Amateur athlete. Ski marathoner. Repeated winner of Ironman. Started doing triathlons in 2006. In 2020 made 3 iron distance starts in 3 days, getting out of 13 hours.
53 starts, 25 wins, 9 podiums, 28 half-iron distance starts (113km), 12 iron distance starts (226km).
– World Championships 70.3 Nice / 2019: participation
– World Championships Kona Hawaii / 2019: slot to participate.
– World Championships 70.3 New Zealand / 2024: participation slot
– World Championships Kona Hawaii / 2024: participation slot.
KHOSNULLA SAPUKOV, 69
SAMARA REGION
TEAM DOCTOR
Candidate master of sports in skiing. Ski marathon runner. In the sport for over 50 years, has been cross-country skiing since the age of 15. In triathlon since 2021. In addition to triathlon, he participates in cross-country skiing and long distance running events, including marathons. Professionally, Hosnulla is a practising orthopaedic trauma surgeon of the highest category with over 40 years of experience. He is a prize-winner of regional competitions in skiing, summer marathons. In the asset – 2 classical marathons in 1988 and 1990.
In triathlon, 11 starts, 5 wins, 3 podiums, 3 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
SERGEY BOGDANOV, 67
MOSCOW
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Candidate Master of Sports in triathlon, ski marathon runner. He has been involved in triathlon since the age of 49. In 2013 he took part in the Ironman series for the first time, and the following year he took third place at Ironman Sweden and qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. In 2018, he qualified for the World Championships in Norway for the second time and finished 5th at the World Championships in Kona (Hawaii) in the M60-64 group.
79 starts, 31 wins, 54 podiums, 29 starts of the half-iron distance (113km), 9 starts of the iron distance (226km).
SERGEY KOLYSHEV, 67
MOSCOW REGION
Master of Sports of the USSR in polyathlon. Ski marathon runner, holds the title of WorldLoppet ‘master’. 5 times ‘master’ of Euroloppet. Since 2008 he has been participating in ascents and races on Elbrus. He first took up triathlon in the 1980s and took part in the start in Tartu in 1989.
About 60 starts, 4 wins, about 15 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
NIKOLAY POLOVINKIN, 68
MOSCOW OBLAST
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in officer’s all-round competition. Ski marathon runner. Ran 38 marathons, 47 half marathons. Participated in Altai Ultra-Trail races: 2016. – 105 km, 2017. – 155 km, 2018. – 110 kilometres. Has completed 20 ski marathons in the Russialoppet series. Climbed Khan Tengri (6995 m) in 2009. Started triathlon in 2013.
38 starts, 4 wins, 15 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 2 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
SERGEI EGOROV, 67
SAN DIEGO
Amateur sportsman. As a child he was involved in gymnastics, skiing, boxing, in his youth he added alpine skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering and river rafting.
He became interested in competitions at the age of 48 after taking part in a 10 kilometre obstacle race. At 50 he ran his first marathon, at 51 his first sprint triathlon, at 52 his first half-iron distance and at 53 his first iron distance.
Have finished 10 iron distance starts so far – plan is to do 12 and get a legacy slot on Kona.
Finished 21 halves – plan is to do a half on every continent, Africa is left.
196 starts, 15 podiums, 23 starts of the half-iron distance (113km), 10 starts of the iron distance (226km).
– World Championships 70.3 New Zealand / 2024: Participation slot
EVGENY MEDVEDEV, 67
MOSCOW
Amateur sportsman. Since childhood, he has been involved in various sports at the amateur level: athletics, rowing, water tourism, cycling, table tennis.
He started to take part in triathlon in 2020, starting at the ‘sprint’ distance. He completed his first iron distance at the age of 66.
11 starts, 1 win, 1 podium, 4 half-iron distance starts (113 km), 1 iron distance start (226 km).
VICTOR SIVKOV, 67
CHELYABINSK REGION
Master of Sports in marine multiathlon, member of the USSR national team. Repeated prize-winner of the Ministry of Ferrous and Nonferrous Metallurgy in GTO and marine multiathlon. Worked as a coach at the DOSAAF Maritime School of the regional committee. The junior girls’ team under Victor’s leadership took the 2nd place at the RSFSR championship. Three girls were included in the USSR national team and then became world champions in the World Police Games. In 1999 – silver medallist of the World Championships in England in cross country athletics in the category ‘masters’. In 2007 – bronze medallist at the World Championships in Italy in cross country athletics. Started doing triathlon in 2019. Annually takes prizes among veterans.
38 starts, 2 wins, 23 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
MIKHAIL FEOKTISTOV, 67
MOSCOW
Amateur athlete. Ski marathon runner, more than forty ski marathons completed. Participates in triathlon starts since 1998. Total of 44 starts in Olympic distance and sprints, three podiums in European Cup and one podium in 5km open water in Alanya.
ALEXANDER LEPSKY, 66
RIGA, LATVIA
HEAD COACH OF THE TEAM
Master of Sports of the USSR in officer’s all-round competition. Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in swimming and marine multiathlon. Has been involved in triathlon since 1987. One of the founders of the USSR Triathlon Federation. Coach of the USSR national triathlon team (1989-1991), USSR Armed Forces national triathlon team (1989-1991), Latvian national triathlon team (1989-2000). Vice-president of the Latvian Triathlon Federation (1989-2000). Since 2016 up to the present time – IRONMAN certified coach. Founder and coach of the sports clubs ‘TRI-N’ (1990-1995) and ‘LEPSKY TRI COACHING SYSTEMS’ (2016 – present). Co-author of the book ‘Triathlon. History’ of the Russian Triathlon Federation (2022). Since 2016, more than 25 athletes have been prepared for the start of the full IM distance, more than 100 athletes have been prepared for the start of the IM70.3 distance.
22 starts in various triathlon distances, 2 wins, 3 podiums.
– Olympic Distance World Championships Cleveland (USA) / 1996: participation
– IM70.3 Venice / 2024: participation
– IM70.3 Turkey / 2024: participation
OLEG SUKHODOLIN, 64
TOMSK
MEMBER OF THE TEAM COUNCIL
Master of Sports of the USSR in service hexathlon. He was engaged in track and field athletics, endurance running, various kinds of all-round sports. He fulfilled the standard of a candidate for master of sports in 10 sports. Master of Sports in cross-country skiing. Ski marathon runner. Started doing triathlon in 2006. Took part in Ironman 2007 in Hungary. World Champion, six-time European Champion, multiple Russian Champion in various disciplines of triathlon. In 2011 Oleg Sukhodolin became World Champion in both summer (swimming – bicycle – running) and winter (skiing – bicycle – running) variants of triathlon.
About 110 starts, about 85 wins, about 20 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
VADIM MAVLYUBERDINOV, 64
ORYOL
Amateur athlete. Ski marathoner. Started competing in triathlon in 2018. Repeated winner of triathlon competitions. Winner of Ironman 70.3 in 2021. Winner of the Russian Duathlon Cup (4 Rings Cup) in 2023 among amateurs.
31 starts, 3 wins, 12 podiums, 16 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ALEXEY MARUEV, 64
MOSCOW
Ski marathoner. In triathlon since 2005. Current candidate for master of sports in triathlon. In 2022 he fulfilled the norm for winter triathlon. Constant winner or medallist in his age category!
More than 300 starts, about 40 wins, about 100 podiums, more than 10 starts of half-iron distance (113 km), 1 start of iron distance (226 km).
VLADIMIR TSAPLIN, 63
MOSCOW REGION
Master of Sports of the USSR in military multiathlon. Three times ‘master’ of Worldloppet. Ski marathoner, more than 100 ski marathons in different countries and continents. 5-time Ironman! Repeated winner and medallist in triathlon events.
48 starts, 2 wins, 12 podiums, 20 starts of the half-iron distance, 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ANDREY GOMAGIN, 62
SAINT PETERSBURG
In the institute he was professionally engaged in GTO multathlon, from 1981 to 1986. He fulfilled the standard of candidate master of sports, then he was engaged in mountain tourism, also fulfilled the standard of candidate master of sports, took part in rogaining competitions (daily format of orienteering), won many times at city competitions, at the European championship I was 4th. Then he had a big break, ran a little, swam a little, skied. He did my first triathlon back in 1988 on the pike lake in the Leningrad region, but returned to triathlon in the summer of 2021.
The goal is to participate in the KONA World Championships.
17 starts, 5 wins, 9 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 4 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXANDER ZELENOV, 62
SAMARA
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in water tourism. He was a participant of rafting on mountain rivers of the 6th category of complexity, led hikes of the 5th category of complexity. He went on difficult hikes on skis, bicycles, motorbikes. Took part in ascents to Elbrus, Kazbek, Mont Blanc, Aconcagua. Ski marathon runner. Participated in cross-country skiing and long distance running competitions, including marathons. Got into triathlon in 2018. In 2023 became the winner of IRONSTAR SAMARA on the Olympic distance, bronze medallist of IRONSTAR 226 SOCHI in the age group 60-64.
More than 15 starts, 1 win, 1 podium, 5 starts of half-iron distance (113 km), 1 start of iron distance (226 km).
ALEXANDER KNIAZEV, 62
MOSCOW
Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in boxing. At the age of 55 he found out about IRONMAN, he got the idea to become an Ironman and since autumn 2018 started to train and start systematically. In July 2023 he was selected for IRONMAN KAZAKHSTAN and in September 2023 finished at the IRONMAN NICE World Championship.
23 starts, 2 wins, 1 podium, 15 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 3 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
AIVARS UZOLS, 62
LATVIA
He became acquainted with triathlon at the age of 40, and today this sport plays a huge role in his life. Aivar is dedicated to healthy lifestyle and triathlon. He is a sports teacher by education, works with children, guides and introduces them to triathlon and general physical training. Aivar’s goal is to participate in the Kona World Championships!
62 starts, 32 wins, 22 podiums, 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXEY BYKOV, 61
SAINT PETERSBURG
Amateur athlete, ski marathon runner. He has been keen on cyclic sports since 2015. He made his first triathlon start in 2017. Participated and won at Ironman 70.3 three times: in Finland, Turkey and Russia.
77 starts, 66 wins, 7 podiums, 35 starts of the ‘half-ironman’ distance (113 km).
ALEXANDER GASHNIKOV, 61
NOVOSIBIRSK REGION
Has been involved in sports since the age of 10 (cross-country skiing). Candidate for Master of Sports of the USSR in cross-country skiing, Master of Sports of the RLLS, Candidate for Master of Sports of Russia in winter triathlon, Candidate for Master of Sports of Russia in duathlon. Two-time bronze medallist of the World Winter Triathlon Championship. Winner of the Russian Championship in the ski marathon, winner of the Russian Championship in the half-iron distance (113 km) and sprint distance in his age group. Started triathlon in 2018.
21 starts, 10 wins, 8 podiums, 7 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
ANDREY SOKOLOV, 61
MOSCOW
Amateur sportsman. He has been involved in sports since childhood – volleyball and athletics. Then, at the amateur level, tennis and football.
At the age of 50 he became interested in marathon running. Participated in six marathons, including Vienna, St Petersburg and four times in Moscow.
He has been involved in triathlon since 2015.
32 starts, 5 podiums, 22 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 7 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
ALEXEY DOZOROV, 60
MOSCOW REGION
Amateur sportsman. During his school years he was actively engaged in ski racing and winter multiathlon. He was a member of the Institute’s winter all-round GTO team.
Since 2014, he started doing triathlon.
Total 24 triathlon starts, including 11 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 6 starts of the iron distance (226 km), 1 podium on the iron distance.
ALEXEY ASAFYEV, 61
MOSCOW
Candidate for Master of Sports in sailing.
Alexey started doing sports at the age of 7. At the age of 12 he was the second in the All-Union swimming competition. He began to specialize in fin swimming, received the title of Candidate for Master of Underwater Sports. At the same time he got interested in volleyball, as part of the team he won the Moscow Championship among sports schools in his age group. He also received the title of the Candidate for Master of Sports in sailing. He was the team captain that took the third place at the USSR Windsurfing Cup 1991. In 2004 Alexey participated in Antigua Sail Week, an unofficial world championship among ocean yachts, where his team’s yacht took fourth place. Alexey took the prize at his first triathlon in 2017 in Bronnitsy. Since then, he competed in triathlon, open water swimming, cycling and running, where he won winning prizes.
He died in an accident during triathlon
training in 2022.
SERGEI ZAKROYSHCHIKOV, 66
MOSCOW
Candidate for Master of Sports in orienteering. Since childhood he was engaged in running, cycling, skiing, fulfilled the standards of 1st category and candidate master of sports in certain disciplines. During his student years he was a member of the university teams in athletics and orienteering, many times he was a winner and prize-winner of student competitions in Moscow. He has been involved in the Masters category since 2016, took part in the first Gran Fondo cycling race in the Russian Federation, since then he has been a regular participant of GF and Cyclingrace. Regularly raced in the top 10 per cent. Participated in the Iron Star Olympic 2019 in Sochi as part of the relay, took 28th place in the absolute, 11th place in the category
3 starts in Estonia as part of the relay (cycling leg), 1 podium.
ALEXANDER ISAEV, 66
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
Amateur athlete. Has been involved in triathlon since the age of 55. In 2018 for the first time took part in the IronStar competition in Sochi and took 3rd place in his age category.
12 starts, 2 wins, 6 podiums, 6 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 1 start of the iron distance (226 km).
MARINA MALIKOVA, 66
MOSCOW
At the age of 13 she started swimming, swam for 2 years at school, fulfilled the 1st category. In the 1st-3rd year of the institute she continued swimming, was a member of the MAI national team (1st category), in the 4th year she joined the MAI alp-section and achieved 2nd category in mountaineering. She started triathlon at the age of 59, after her son Malikov Alexey ran his first Ironman. Her goal in triathlon is to popularise the sport by personal example among her children, grandchildren and employees.
17 starts, 7 wins, 6 podiums.
ALEXANDER NAUMOV, 66
SAINT PETERSBURG
Amateur athlete. In 2017 started running and in 2019 took part in his first triathlon (cross country). After that he participated many times in classic triathlon and indoor triathlon.
The goal is to finish the full distance in an IRONMAN race.
10 starts, 2 wins, 1 podium, 3 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
NIKOLAI NOVIKOV, 66
KONAKOVO
Amateur athlete. Amateur skier, ski marathoner, has run 5 cross-country marathons (including 3 wins and 1 podium) and 10 ski marathons (including 3 podiums).
As a triathlete he started competing at the age of 60.
22 starts, 11 wins, 6 podiums, 4 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
VALERY PODLESNY, 64
KRASNOYARSK
Candidate for Master of Sports in speed diving, candidate for Master of Sports in GTO multiathlon. Ski marathoner. Started doing triathlon in autumn 2019 at the age of 58. In his youth until the age of 24, he was involved in high-speed underwater sports (candidate master of sports), summer GTO multiathlon (candidate master of sports). At the age of 40, he became a candidate for Master of Sports in powerlifting. Did his first Ironman at the age of 60.
21 starts, 5 wins, 13 podiums, 9 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 3 starts of the iron distance (226 km).
VLADIMIR VASILENKO, 65
MOSCOW
Master of Sports of the USSR in officer’s multiathlon. Ski marathon runner. At school he was engaged in track and field athletics. He was a member of the Oryol Oblast national team in the middle distances (800 and 1500 metres). Repeated winner of the Moscow championship in the officers’ all-round competition among law enforcement agencies. Started competing in triathlon competitions in 2019.
19 starts, 1 win, 7 podiums, 6 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).
TOM MCINNES, 65
MALLORCA, SPAIN
In 2003, at age 43, Tom McInnes from Scotland stumbled into triathlon during a marathon training camp in Lanzarote. Hearing about the Ironman Lanzarote, he impulsively signed up despite barely knowing how to swim or bike. He finished the grueling race and fell in love with the sport, going on to compete in over 170 triathlons. In February 2023 he had a cycling accident and suffered a fractured femur, but after having titanium screws fitted and recovering he is back on track. Now, he’s chasing qualification for the Ironman World Championships in Kona 2026 and the 70.3 World Champs annually, savoring the global destinations. His athletic journey began with schoolboy football in Scotland, followed by amateur boxing into his 30s, then long-distance running. Tom’s highlight race is the iconic Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco.
More than 170 starts, 57 wins, 61 podiums, 84 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km), 23 starts of the iron distance (226 km), 15 World Championship races!
MARIA ISAEVA, 64
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
From the age of 5 she was engaged in figure skating, from 10 to 13 – in artistic gymnastics. She has 1 adult category. From 15 to 19 years old she was engaged in badminton at the section of Lobachevsky State University, has 1 adult category. She has been involved in triathlon since the age of 56. In 2018 for the first time took part in the IronStar competition in Sochi and took 2nd place in the category.
17 starts, 2 wins, 5 podiums.
ANATOLY MARTYNKO, 73
VLADIVOSTOK
Master of Sports of the USSR in winter all-round GTO, Master of Sports according to the RLLS version in cross-country skiing, skiing coach. Ski marathon runner. In triathlon starts from 2019.
About 25 starts, 10 podiums, 11 wins.
ALEKSANDR ROMANENKO, 69
BURGAS, BULGARIA
Candidate for master of sports in 1500 metres (1500-3.46), winner of the USSR championship in 1500 among juniors (1977), Estonian champion 1979. Winner of the Leningrad GTO championship (1981).
Started doing triathlon in 2018. In 2024 did the first 1/2 IronMan in Antalya (Turkey).
19 starts, 6 wins, 8 podiums, 2 starts of half-iron’ distance (113 km).
– World Championships Marbella Spain / 2025: slot for participation.
VITALY KIM, 76
MOSCOW
All his life he has been involved in amateur sports: tennis, windsurfing, kitesurfing, freeride skiing.
In 2014, at the age of 65, he ran 10 kilometres for the first time at a corporate sports day.
In triathlon he made his first start in 2015 at the Olympic distance in Abu Dhabi. Then:
– Ironman 70.3 Estonia – 2017
– Ironman 140.6 Barcelona – 2019
– Ironman 70.3 Turkey – 2023
– Bronze Horseman 113km – 2022
– Ironstar 113 km N. Novgorod – 2023
– Ironstar 113 km Moscow – 2024
7 starts, 4 podiums, 5 starts of the half-iron distance (113 km).