He won the gold medal in the 50 km race at the 2005 World Championships in a personal best time of 3:38:08 hours. He won his second world title at the 2009 World Championships, finishing in 3:38:35, his second fastest ever time.Mulkeen, Jon (2009-08-21). . IAAF. Retrieved on 2009-08-25.
He is married to fellow racewalker Anisya Kirdyapkina. He is coached by Viktor Chegin, who also coaches racewalk world champions Valeriy Borchin and Olga Kaniskina.Powell, David (2009-08-21). . IAAF. Retrieved on 2009-08-25.