A Soviet sprinter who dominated the 100m and 200m events in the 1970s, winning seven Olympic medals and setting multiple world records. He is considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Valeriy Borzov is a Ukrainian former sprinter and politician, renowned for his exceptional speed and agility on the track. He is a two-time Olympian and a former president of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, as well as the Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
Born on October 20, 1949, in Sambir, Drohobych Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, Borzov started his track and field career in 1968. His dedication and hard work quickly paid off, as he became a household name in the Track and Field circles after winning the sprint double at the 1971 European Championships in Helsinki.
The 1972 Munich Olympics was a defining moment in Borzov's career, where he won the 100 and 200 meters sprint events. This remarkable feat made him the fastest human in the world, leaving behind American favorites and world record holders, Eddie Hart and Rey Robinson. Interestingly, Borzov almost missed his own quarterfinal due to falling asleep in the stadium, only to be woken up by his coach just in time.
Borzov's remarkable achievements on the track have left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. His picture, featuring him winning the 200m heats at the 1972 Summer Olympics, was selected for the Voyager Golden Record and later launched into space aboard two Voyager spacecraft in 1977. This remarkable recognition is a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of sports.
After retiring from athletics, Borzov went on to pursue a career in politics, becoming the president of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the Minister for Youth and Sports of Ukraine. His dedication to promoting sports and youth development has been instrumental in shaping the country's athletics landscape.
Borzov's personal life has been marked by a strong commitment to his family and community. Despite his busy schedule, he has always made time for his loved ones and has been an inspiration to countless young athletes around the world.
Valeriy Borzov is a true legend in the world of athletics, whose remarkable achievements on the track have inspired generations of athletes around the world. His dedication to sports, youth development, and politics has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and motivate people to this day.
76 Years Old
A Finnish runner and police officer who won four Olympic gold medals in the 1970s, setting multiple world records in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. He's a national hero in Finland for his athletic achievements.
70 Years Old
A renowned middle- and long-distance runner who won four Olympic and three World Championship medals, later becoming a respected sports broadcaster.
69 Years Old
A renowned Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in the 800 meters, known for his impressive athletic career and later becoming a prominent politician.
