Olga Zavialova

Skier, A two-time World Champion and Sochi 2014 Ambassador

“I would like to thank the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee”

Skier, member of Team Visa Vancouver

Olga Zavyalova is one of the most top-tier Russian skiers. Olga started skiing at age 7. At school competitions Olga did not particularly stand out with exceptional success, but the teachers immediately noticed her talent and offered her to continue training in a sports school. Within three years, Olga showed the first signs of success, winning at national competitions. At 18 years old, she moved to the national junior team and two years later began to play in the starting team.

In the period from 1996 to 2006, Olga Zavyalova won 12 individual victories at the World Cup at various distances up to 30 kilometers. She won her first  gold medal at the 2003 World Championship race at 30 kilometers in the Val di Fiemme and to this victory, Olga added three bronze medals in the 15 km race, skiathlon and the relay. In 2007, Olga became a double world champion, winning the World Championship in Japan's Sapporo in skiathlon. Along with a gold medal, Olga also brought home a silver medal which she won in the skiathlon in the 10 km race.

Achievements
2003 - World Champion at a distance of 30 km, Val di Fiemme
2003 - Three-time world championship bronze medalist in the 15 km race, skiathlon and relay
2007 - World Champion in skiathlon, Sapporo
2007 - World championship silver medalist in the 10km race