Ivan Golubkov

Ivan Golubkov was born in Inta, Komi Republic, with a congenital lower limb disorder. He spent his childhood in an orphanage until he was five, and then in the Kochpon Psychoneurological Boarding School in Syktyvkar. He was a very strong and active child. He took up cross-country skiing after watching his sister Maria Iovleva, who grew up in the same orphanage with him.^[2] It was Alexander Porshnev, his first coach, who introduced him to cross-country skiing. At Porshnev's suggestion, Golubkov join a cross-country skiing club.^[3]

Golubkov began his active career in 2010.^[4] He made his international debut at the 2013/14 Para-Cross-Country World Cup, where he finished tenth in the seated class.^[5] He also finished tenth in the 2014/15 Para-Cross-Country World Cup, and won the 2015/16 Para-Cross-Country World Cup.^[6] He won the Para-Cross-Country World Cup again in 2017/18, 2019/20, and 2020/21.

Golubkov participated in the 2021 World Para Snow Sports Championships, winning all three distances in cross-country skiing, while also winning the relay in the open relay with himself on the team.^[7] In biathlon, he also won 6 km and 10 km events and finished sixth in 12.5 km.^[8]