Välbe, Elena (1968–)

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Välbe, Elena (1968–)

Russian cross-country skier. Name variations: Yelena Valbe or Vaelbe; Yelena Walbe. Born Elena Trubitshina, April 24, 1968, in Magadan, Siberia; m. Urmas Välbe (Estonian skier), 1987 (div.); children: Franz (b. 1987).

Won 7 World championships; won 5 World Cups for overall cross-country; won a gold medal for the 4 × 5 km relay and bronze medals for 5 km, 10 km pursuit, 30 km, and 15 km at Albertville Olympics (1991); won gold medals at Lillehammer Olympics (1994) and Nagano Olympics (1998), for 4 × 5 km relay.