Marat NIYAZOV

Marat Niyazov was the only ethnic Turkmen athlete to win an Olympic medal until Daniýar Ismaýilow earned a silver medal in weightlifting at the 2016 Olympics, representing Turkey. Niyazov captured his Olympic medal at the 1960 Olympics, in small-bore rifle, three positions. In addition to his Olympic medal, he was also a seven-time World Champion, all earned in team events at the 1958 and 1962 World Championships. Individually Niyazov won seven silvers and one bronze at the 1958, 1962 and 1966 World Championships. At the European Championships, he won three team golds and two individual bronzes in 1959, and he was a nine-time individual Soviet champion between 1957-64. After finishing his sporting career, Niyazov worked as a shooting coach in Turkmenistan.