Let's make this birthday one to remember.

61 years old (Born on March 07, 1964)

Happy Birthday, Vladimir Smirnov! You're the only skier we know who can glide effortlessly into gold medals and still keep a smile frozen on your face. Your legendary victory at the 1994 Winter Olympics remains unforgettable—proving once and for all that Kazakhstan's secret weapon isn't just great skiing technique, but also an unbeatable sense of humor.

And let's not forget your bronze medal in 1998; clearly you decided to give others a chance this time around! May your birthday be filled with laughter, joy, and fewer uphill climbs than cross-country skiing usually demands. Keep sliding gracefully through life, champion!