Ukrainian sprinter who won gold and bronze medals at the 2001 World Championships and set multiple national records in the 100m and 200m events.
Zhanna Pintusevich-Block is a Ukrainian former world champion sprinter, known for her remarkable achievements in the 100m and 200m events, earning her the title of one of the greatest sprinters of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, she has won numerous accolades, including the 1997 World 200m Championship and the 2001 World 100m Championship, solidifying her position as a legend in the world of athletics.
Zhanna Pintusevich-Block was born on July 6, 1972, in Nizhyn, Soviet Union, to a Jewish family. Raised by her mother after her father left when she was just three years old, she grew up in a one-room house with no running water, relying on a coal stove for heat. Despite the humble beginnings, Zhanna's determination and natural talent propelled her to become one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
In 1991, Zhanna won the 100m and 200m events at the European Junior Championships, along with a silver in the 4x400m relay, representing the USSR. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, which would see her win numerous titles and accolades. In 1992, she won the European Indoor Championships for 60m, and in 1993, she secured the bronze medal in the same event at the World Championships in Toronto.
Zhanna's impressive performance earned her the title of Person of the Year in Ukraine for Sports in 2001, surpassing other notable athletes like former heavyweight champion boxer Wladimir Klitschko and footballer Andriy Shevchenko. She also won two World silvers and three European silvers in the sprints, cementing her position as one of the greatest sprinters of her time.
Zhanna was implicated in the BALCO scandal, with Victor Conte alleging that she had taken illegal performance-enhancing drugs supplied by him. In 2011, she was handed a two-year ban from sports for doping violations, without a hearing. Although she was never convicted of using illegal drugs, her results from November 30, 2002, onward were disqualified.
Zhanna participated in the 100m and 200m events at both the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2000 Summer Olympics, reaching the final three times. She also took part in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the 2004 Olympics, although she failed to progress to the finals. Despite not winning an Olympic medal, she managed to secure a fourth-place finish in the 100m final in Sydney.
Zhanna's 100m personal best time of 10.82 seconds remains one of the fastest times in history. Her remarkable career has inspired countless athletes, and her achievements continue to be celebrated in the world of athletics.
40 Years Old
The world's fastest man, holding the 100m and 200m sprint records, dominating the track with unparalleled speed and charisma.
43 Years Old
A world-class sprinter who holds the record for the most sub-10 second 100m runs, dominating the track with his incredible speed and power.
36 Years Old
A Jamaican sprinter who won numerous gold medals and set multiple world records in the 100m and 200m sprint events, earning the nickname "The Beast."
39 Years Old
A Jamaican sprinter who has won numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals, holding the title of fastest woman in the world over 100 meters.
44 Years Old
A Jamaican sprinter who won multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals, setting world records in the 100m and 200m events.
53 Years Old
A French sprinter who won gold at the 1998 European Championships and set multiple national records in the 100m and 200m events. She's a decorated athlete with a successful career in track and field.
48 Years Old
A Belgian sprinter who won gold medals at the European Championships and World Indoor Championships, setting multiple national records in the 60m and 100m events.
59 Years Old
American sprinter and hurdler who won three Olympic gold medals and is known for overcoming grave health issues, including Graves' disease, to achieve athletic success.
