Vladimir Bure
Vladimir Bure | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 December 1950 Moscow, Soviet Union |
| Died | 3 September 2024 (aged 73) |
| Occupation(s) | Freestyle swimmer, fitness trainer |
| Years active | 1968–1998 (athlete and coach) |
| Known for | Olympic medals in freestyle swimming; fitness trainer for New Jersey Devils |
Vladimir Valeryevich Bure (, 4 December 1950 – 3 September 2024) was a distinguished Russian and Soviet freestyle swimmer who later became a fitness trainer for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. He was the father of former NHL athletes Pavel and Valeri Bure.
USSR
Competing for the Soviet Union, Bure participated in the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Olympic Games, where he secured a total of four medals: one individual medal in the 100 m freestyle and three additional medals as part of relay teams. His accolades also include two European championship titles and seventeen Soviet national championships. Furthermore, he earned silver medals at the World Championships in both 1973 and 1975.
Between 1979 and 1985, Bure held a coaching position at the Armed Forces Society, focusing on swimming. He subsequently took on the role of Vice President at Exsport club from 1985 until 1991, managing activities across eight different sports disciplines.
Vladimir was married to Tatiana Bure, with whom he had two sons born in Moscow: Pavel (born 31 March 1971) and Valeri (born 13 June 1974).
North America
In 1991, Vladimir moved to North America alongside his sons Pavel and Valeri, establishing their residence in Los Angeles. He provided coaching to both sons in hockey skills and physical training until Pavel launched his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks. By 1998, a separation occurred between Vladimir and his sons, as well as from his second wife Julia and their half-sister Katya; the reasons behind this estrangement have not been publicly disclosed.
From 1994 to 1998, Vladimir served as a fitness consultant for the Vancouver Canucks. He then joined the New Jersey Devils in a similar capacity starting in 1999, contributing to the team's Stanley Cup victories in 2000 and 2003. His name was inscribed on the Stanley Cup following the 2003 championship.
Death
Vladimir Bure passed away at age 73 on 3 September 2024 due to complications arising from a heart attack.