Russian journalist and sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev, in a conversation with socialbites.ca, described Anfisa Reztsova as the greatest athlete in both skiing and biathlon. He highlighted how Reztsova became a leading figure in the ski team before evolving into a phenomenon in biathlon, leaving a lasting mark on two demanding Olympic disciplines.
Guberniev remembered Reztsova as someone who burst onto the world stage in 1985, rising to world champion status early in her career. He recalled her as the team’s driving force and a prominent leader, a world champion who later claimed gold in Calgary and reached the podium twice in cross-country skiing. He noted that she trained under some of the world’s finest mentors, and that her career took a remarkable turn when she embraced biathlon. Biathlon, at that time, was not yet a regular platform for women, yet Reztsova proved to be a true phenomenon, even earning a World Cup medal after a sprint with six misses. The sport’s landscape was evolving, and she was at the forefront of that evolution. Reztsova collected two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals, becoming the brightest star of her era. Through her journey, she demonstrated resilience as a woman and as a mother, marrying a renowned athletic trainer and eventually becoming a mother to four daughters. Two of her daughters, Dasha Virolainen and Kristina Reztsova, would also rise as outstanding biathletes. Toward the end of her competitive days, she returned to skiing after a dramatic shift in her career and achieved world champion status on the slopes once again. Guberniev described the late 1990s as a phenomenal period in Reztsova’s career.
Guberniev expressed his sorrow over the athlete’s passing, offering condolences to her family. He emphasized that Reztsova stands as a testament to hard work and dedication in sport, and acknowledged her enduring impact on the world of athletics.
In his reflections, Guberniev recalled Reztsova as a sharp, outspoken personality who earned respect for her athletic achievements. While he described having a range of moments with her, he stressed that her sporting background deserved admiration. He extended his deepest condolences to the family, recognizing the loss as profound for the global sports community and for Russian skiing and biathlon in particular. Reztsova’s legacy, he noted, is unmatched, a unique example of transformation, perseverance, and commitment to sport.
Guberniev also shared a memory of meeting Reztsova on a train while traveling to the Institute of Physical Education in 1995. He approached her, introduced himself, and they walked together to the institute. When they entered the classroom for state exams, the reaction of many students highlighted Reztsova’s prominence, and the two continued a conversation as old friends. He acknowledged that, despite various moments in their interactions, the loss remained a bitter one for him as well as for everyone connected to sports in some way.
On October 20, the press service of the Russian Biathlon Union reported the death of three-time Olympic champion Anfisa Reztsova at the age of 58. Reztsova spent her final days in intensive care in a Moscow region hospital and was admitted unconscious on October 15. She was transferred to another hospital on October 20 but did not regain consciousness. The events marked the end of an extraordinary athletic career and a life dedicated to sport.
Reztsova’s contributions spanned both biathlon and cross-country skiing, reflecting a rare cross-discipline excellence. Her journey illustrated how an elite athlete could master different forms of endurance competition, adapt to new sport environments, and inspire generations to pursue peak performance with discipline and tenacity. Her story remains a powerful reminder of sport as a pathway to personal growth, family balance, and national pride, resonating with fans, athletes, and coaches across Canada, the United States, and beyond.