Mariya GOLUBNICHAYA

Mariya Golubnichaya did gymnastics in her youth and did not take up athletics until 1946 when she enrolled at the Lesgaft State Institute of Physical Culture in Leningrad (now Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health in St. Petersburg). Initially Golubnichaya competed in sprints, jumps and even in the shot put and pentathlon, and did not try hurdling until 1950, but she soon rose to the top of Soviet hurdling in the 1950s. Golubnichaya won an Olympic silver in 1952 and was the 1954 European Champion. She also competed at the 1956 Olympics, but sprained her foot in the final and finished fifth. Golubnichaya was the Soviet 80 hurdles champion from 1952-54 and set one world record during her career, when in August 1954 in Kyiv she equaled Shirley Strickland de la Hunty’s world record of 10.9, set in the 1952 Olympic final. After finishing her sports career, Golubnichaya worked as an athletics coach, serving as coach of the 1976 Soviet Olympic team.

Personal Best: 80H – 10.7 (1956).