Background
Smirnov was born in Shchuchinsk, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.
Smirnov was born in Shchuchinsk, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.
He is also a vice president of the International Biathlon Union. During the Soviet period, he trained at the Armed Forces sports society in Alma-Ata. Smirnov made his debut in the FIS Cross-Country World Cup on 18 December 1982 at Davos in a 15 km race, finishing in a 17th place.
His first victory came in 1986, a classic style 15 km in Kavgolovo (United Research Services).
Smirnov gained a total of 30 victories in the World Cup, with 21 second and 15 third places. At the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships from 1987 to 1997, Smirnov totalled four gold (1989: 30 km, 1995: 10 km, 10 km + 15 km combined pursuit, 30 km), four silver (1987: 4x10 km, 1991: 30 km, 1993: 10 km, 10 km + 15 km combined pursuit) and three bronze medals (1991: 15 km, 1993: 30 km, 1995: 50 km).
A very regular and effective cross-country skier, especially in long-distance classic style races, Smirnov took part to the Winter Olympics from 1988 to 1998. His best known victory was the 50 km gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, the first Olympic gold medal for Kazakhstan.
He was one of the leading characters of that Olympics, as his unending rivalry with home ever-winning Bjørn Dæhlie had gained him the affection of the Norwegian audience.
He also became good friends with his rival Dæhlie, even participating with Dæhlie in several popular Norwegian television shows. Smirnov headed the bid committee to have Almaty, Kazakhstan, host the 2014 Winter Olympics, a bid that failed to make the short list that was announced by the International Olympic Committee on 22 June 2006. In 2011, Smirnov participated at the opening ceremony of 2011 Asian Winter Games in Astana.
Сonfirmed by Official FIS Results.
Smirnov is a former member of International Olympic Committee.