Igor ASTAPKOVICH

For nearly two decades, Igor Astapkovich was one of the world’s top hammer throwers, finishing in the top 10 in almost every competition he entered. He won titles at the 1987 and 1989 Universiade, the 1990 European Championships and Goodwill Games, and the 1991 European Cup. Astapkovich competed at four Olympics, winning silver in 1992 and bronze in 2000, and at seven World Championships (1991-2003), winning three silvers in 1991, 1993, and 1995. He also won silver medals at the 1993 European Championships and the 1996 Grand Prix Final.

Astapkovich won Soviet titles in 1989 and 1990, the 1992 CIS title, and the 1997 Belarus title. He retired from sports after the 2004 Olympics, later working as an athletics coach in Belarus, and married 2000 Olympics discus throw bronze medalist Irina Yatchenko.

Personal Best: HT – 84.62 (1992).