Andrei SMIRNOV

Andrey Smirnov was the best Soviet individual medley swimmer in the middle of 1970s. During his career Smirnov competed at the 1973 and 1975 World Championships, 1974 and 1977 European Championships and 1976 Olympics, medaling in all except the 1973 Worlds. Smirnov made his international début at the 1973 World Championships, as a 16-year-old, and reached the final of the 400 IM, but placed last. Smirnov next competed at the 1974 European Championships and won his first international tournament medal, bronze in the 400 IM, also placing fourth in the 200 individual medley. At the 1975 World Championships Smirnov won silver in the 400 IM and bronze in the 200 IM while, at the 1976 Olympics, he won bronze in the 400 individual medley. Smirnov’s last international tournament was the 1977 European Championships, where he won silver in both IMs. Domestically, Smirnov won eight Soviet titles: 1975-77 in the 200 IM, 1975-76 in the 400 IM, 1976 in the 4x100 free relay, and 1975-76 in the 4x200 free relay. After finishing his sporting career, Smirnov worked as a swimming coach in his native Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).

Personal Best: 200 m individual medley – 2:07.20 (1976); 400 m individual medley – 4:26.90 (1976).