Nadezhda KONYAEVA

Along with Dana Zátopková, Nadezhda Konyayeva was considered as the top female javelin thrower of the world during mid-50s, although she never won a major title. Konyayeva was the world record holder during the 1956 Olympics, having bettered the world record thrice in 1954 (53.56, 55.11, 55.48), and was favored along with 1952 Olympic gold medalist Zátopková. In Melbourne, however, Konyayeva and Zátopková were surprised by Inese Jaunzeme and Marlene Ahrens, as Konyayeva bettered Zátopková by 45 cm to win bronze. Previously Konyayeva had won bronze at the 1954 European Championships. Konyayeva never won a Soviet title, with silvers in 1954 and 1956 and bronze in 1953.

Personal Best: JT – 55.48 (1954).