Vladimir Drachev
BelarusBiography of Vladimir Drachev
Vladimir Drachev is a former biathlete and the current coach of the Belarusian Youth Biathlon Team. He began his career in biathlon in 1980 and competed in the sport until 2006, when he retired and transitioned into coaching.
Achievements
During his career, Drachev participated in seven World Championships and was a four-time world champion. He also represented Belarus in the Olympic Games in 1994, 1998, and 2006, winning a silver medal in the relay event in 1994 and a bronze medal in the relay event in 1998.
Among his other notable achievements, Drachev won a gold medal in the sprint event and a gold medal in the relay event in 1996. He also won a gold medal in the pursuit event in 1998 and another gold medal in the relay event in 2000. Additionally, he won silver medals in the individual event in 1996 and the relay event in 1999, as well as a silver medal in the mass start event in 1999. In 2003, he won a bronze medal in the relay event.
Drachev was the overall winner of the World Cup in the 1995/96 season and achieved a total of 15 World Cup stage victories, along with 17 podium finishes.
Transition to Belarusian Team
After being denied a spot on the Russian national team for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Drachev seriously considered offers from other teams. His longtime teammate from the Soviet Union national team, Alexander Popov, made him an offer to join the Belarusian team, which Drachev accepted in 2002.
Post-Sport Career
Before his transition to coaching, Drachev served in the Armed Forces of Russia, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 2006, he retired from competitive sports and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the newly formed "Sportinvestbank".
Drachev has been honored with several awards, including the Order of Merit for the Fatherland at both the first and second degrees, the Honored Master of Sports of Russia title, and the Belarusian Olympic Committee Medal for Outstanding Merit.
He is married and has a son named Ilya. His wife and son reside in St. Petersburg.
