Sergei Chepikov, Two-Time Olympic Biathlon Champion, Dies at 59

Sergei Chepikov, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in biathlon, died at age 59, according to Sergei Averyanov, head of communications for Russia's Biathlon Union. According to reporting by StarHit, Chepikov died from cancer after a prolonged battle with the illness. One source reported that his wife, Elena, confirmed he continued working in the State Duma's committee on state construction and legislation even during treatment.

Chepikov was born on January 30, 1967, in the settlement of Khor in Khabarovsk Krai. Over his Olympic career, he won six medals across six Winter Games appearances. His first gold came as part of the Soviet team in the relay at the 1988 Calgary Olympics; his second gold came in the individual sprint at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, where he also served as flag bearer for the Russian delegation. He also won three silver medals and one bronze medal at the Olympics. Chepikov was twice a world champion—in the team event (1989) and mixed relay (2006)—and won the overall World Cup title in the 1989–1990 and 1990–1991 seasons. Among fans, he earned the nickname "Colonel."

After retiring from competition, Chepikov worked as a consultant coach for Russia's national team and held a position as vice president of the Biathlon Union. He was active in regional politics before entering national office; in 2008 he became a deputy in the Sverdlovsk Oblast regional assembly. From 2016 onward, he served as a member of the State Duma in its seventh and eighth convocations. In 2006, he joined the United Russia party. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chepikov was placed under sanctions by the European Union, the United States, and other Western countries. He was survived by six children from two marriages.