The coronavirus extinguished the life flame of the Estonian legend of the shooting sports

Estonian sport has lost a prominent figure with the passing of Kalju Valgus, a leading figure in Estonian biathlon. Valgus, born on October 21, 1939, in Viljandi, died on March 8, 2021, at the age of 81. His lifelong passion for skiing began in his youth, with guidance from renowned coaches including Erna and Herbert Abel, Osvald Allika, and Hans Gross at Tartu State University.

Following his education, Valgus began working as a ski coach, instrumental in establishing the first sports class at Tallinn 44th Secondary School in September 1968, the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. He later served as a senior coach for Dünamo/ Põhjakotkas and coached the Estonian men’s relay ski team, mentoring athletes such as Jüri Voodla, Mati Albert, Kalju Polt, Rein Pesur, and Aarne Malva. Valgus’s contributions extended to the formation of the Estonian Biathlon Federation, which integrated with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in 1973.

He was a highly active and influential figure, contributing significantly to the development of biathlon in Estonia and globally. His expertise in the technical aspects of establishing ski centers and organizing competitions was utilized by top biathlon centers worldwide. Valgus served as a member of the IBU Technical Competition Committee, participating in numerous World Championship stages and contributing to the organization of the 1998 Nagano, 2002 Salt Lake City, and 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games.

He was one of the initiators of the IBU Summer Biathlon and later served as the chair of the IBU Sub-Committee. Valgus held the position of president of the Estonian Biathlon Federation from 1992 to 2000 and as a board member from 2007. He was involved in the establishment of the Tehvandi shooting range, a venue for the Otepää Biathlon World Cup stage.

Sadly, he passed away due to complications related to the COVID-19 virus. The Estonian Biathlon Federation and his fellow biathletes express their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging his dedication to the sport and his visionary leadership.

Topics: #kalju #sport #eesti