In an international meet at Medeo, on 9 January 1955, Dmitry Sakunenko became the first person to skate the 5000 m below eight minutes, with 7:54.9.
In the context of international competition held in Medeo on January 9, 1955, Dmitry Sakunenko achieved a groundbreaking accomplishment by becoming the first person to complete the 5000-meter race under eight minutes with a time of 7:54.9.