Yulia BOGDANOVA

Yulia Bogdanova, with teammates Lina Kačiušytė and Svetlana Varganova, were the dominant force in women’s breaststroke swimming at the end of 1970s and start of 1980s. During her career, Bogdanova competed at three major international tournaments: the 1977 European Championships, the 1978 World Championships and the 1980 Olympics. At the 1977 European Championships Bogdanova won the 100/200 breaststroke double, adding silver in the medley relay. At the 1978 World Championships she won gold in the 100 breast, silver in the 200 breast and bronze in the medley relay. Bogdanova won bronze in the 200 breaststroke at the 1980 Olympics. She also set two world records during her career, both in 1978: 1:10.31 in the 100 metre breaststroke and 2:33.32 in the 200 metre breaststroke. Domestically, Bogdanova won five Soviet titles: 1977-79 100 breaststroke and 1977-78 200 breaststroke. She also won a silver medal in the 200 breaststroke at the 1979 Soviet championships.

Personal Best: 100 m breaststroke – 1:10.31 (1978); 200 m breaststroke – 2:32.01 (1979).