Mikhail Kaaleste

Mikhail Kaaleste, born as Mikhail Stoljar, ( born August 20, 1931 in Värska, Estonia) is a former Soviet canoeist and biathlon coach.

Career

Mikhail Kaaleste was born under the name Mikhail Stoljar and was born into a Russian family who had to change their name in 1940 in Kaaleste. He started during his time in the army to play sports. First he tried in the decathlon as well as cross-country skiing before 1952 canoe racing devoted himself. Together with Anatoly Demitkow he won at the 1956 Olympics, the silver medal in the double kayak over 1000 meters. In 1957 he became a European champion same discipline. At the World Championships in 1958 Kaaleste won two bronze medals over 1000 meters: with Anatoly Demitkow in double kayak and with Demitkow, Igor Pisarev and Anatoli Troschenkow in quad kayak. For the 1960 Olympics Kaaleste was not considered. He won 1954-1962 a total of six Soviet champion in kayaking and 1955 a bronze medal in the 4x10 km relay cross-country skiing. In 1964 he first coached the cross-country skiers and biathletes later the Dynamo Leningrad.

Others

Mikhail Kaalestes wife Anna Kaaleste (* 1930 ) finished at the Olympic Winter Games 1956 ninth among the cross-country skiing over 10 kilometers.