Valentin GAVRILOV

Valentin Gavrilov was the top Soviet high jumping star after Valery Brumel, who still is considered one of the greatest high jumpers of all-time. Gavrilov came to prominence in 1965 as a 19-year-old, when he won his first title. He then competed at the 1966 European Championships, where he was seventh. Gavrilov won an Olympic bronze in 1968, was European Champion in 1969 and European indoor champion in 1969 and 1970, while taking silver at the 1968 European Indoor Championships. Gavrilov also won the Summer Universiade gold in 1970 and bronze in 1973. Besides his 1965 Soviet title, he won two more titles in 1967 and 1969, and two silvers in 1966 and 1970. Gavrilov also competed at the 1971 European Championships, where he placed 10th.

Personal Best: HJ – 2.21 (1969).