Nikolay Zimyatov

Nikolay Semyonovich Zimyatov (Russian: Никола́й Семёнович Зимя́тов; born 28 July 1955 in Moscow), name also spelled Nikolaj Zimjatov, was one of the most successful Soviet/Russian male cross-country skiers ever. He trained at Spartak and later at the Armed Forces sports society. He was the first man in the sport to win three gold medals at a single Winter Olympics, winning in the 30 km, 50 km, and 4 x 10 km relay at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. He also won the 30 km event at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo and was awarded Order of Friendship of Peoples that year. Zimyatov also earned a silver in the 30 km at the 1978 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti.