A Ukrainian hammer thrower who won two Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records, dominating the sport in the 1970s and 1980s.
Yuriy Sedykh is renowned for being one of the greatest hammer throwers in track and field history, boasting an impressive career that spanned over two decades and earned him numerous accolades, including Olympic and World Championships titles, as well as the coveted world record in the event.
Born on June 11, 1955, in Novocherkassk, Russia, Sedykh grew up in Nikopol, Ukraine, where he began his track and field journey in 1967 under the guidance of coach Vladimir Ivanovich Volovik. He later trained at Burevestnik and the Armed Forces sports society in Kyiv, where he attained the rank of major in the Soviet Army.
Sedykh's talent and dedication earned him a spot on the USSR National Junior Team in 1973, and he went on to win his first Olympic gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. This was followed by another Olympic gold at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the hammer throw.
In 1986, Sedykh achieved the unthinkable, setting a world record of 86.74m at the European Championships in Stuttgart. This remarkable feat has stood the test of time, remaining unbeaten for decades and cementing his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
After retiring from active competition, Sedykh turned his attention to coaching, mentoring talented athletes such as French hammer thrower Nicolas Figère, who went on to achieve a personal best of 80.88m.
Sedykh's success was built on an unorthodox technique, utilizing three rotations rather than the traditional four. He also employed a range of training methods, including practicing with lighter and heavier hammers to refine his skills.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sedykh accumulated an impressive collection of accolades, including:
In his 2020 book "The Rodchenkov Affair," Russian doping whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov made allegations about Sedykh's involvement in performance-enhancing drug use. Sedykh vehemently denied these claims, maintaining that his achievements were the result of hard work and dedication.
Yuriy Sedykh's remarkable career and achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of track and field. His world record, set over three decades ago, remains a testament to his incredible talent and dedication, inspiring generations of athletes to strive for greatness.
62 Years Old
A Ukrainian pole vaulter who dominated the sport for over a decade, setting 35 world records and winning six consecutive World Championships. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
86 Years Old
A renowned Ukrainian hammer thrower and coach, credited with developing innovative training methods that have produced numerous world-class athletes, and is considered one of the greatest coaches in athletics history.
