Yana KLOCHKOVA

Yana Klochkova is the most successful medley swimmer of the first decade of the 21st century. She had her international breakthrough at the 1998 World Championships in Perth, winning a silver medal in the 400 m medley. At the Sydney Olympics, she outclassed her opponents in both medley events, and added a silver in the 800 m freestyle. In 2001 and 2003, she added three world titles in medley events, and one in the 400 m freestyle. At the Athens Games, she retained both her medley titles, becoming the first repeat winner in both events. She concluded her career later in 2004. Apart from the aforementioned titles, Klochkova has also won 6 short course world titles, 10 European titles and 9 European short course titles. Klochkova, who was named Swimmer of the Year in 2004, returned to the Beijing Olympics as the flagbearer of the Ukrainian team.