Vladimir PYSHNENKO

Vladimir Pyshnenko was a Russian 100 and 200 metre freestyle specialist, who won all his international medals in relay races. Pyshnenko won four Olympic medals, three in 1992 (gold in 4×200 freestyle relay and silvers in 4×100 free and the medley relay) and another silver in 1996 in the 4×100 freestyle relay. He also won two World Championships silvers, both in 1994 in the two freestyle relays and four European Championships golds (1991 in 4×200 free relay, 1993 in both freestyle relays and in 1997 in 4×100 free relay). His best individual performances at major tournaments were a fifth in the 200 metre freestyle at the 1992 Olympics and sixth in the same event at the 1997 Europeans. Pyshnenko set also one world record, as he was the member of Unified Team's 4×200 freestyle relay team that won gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in world record time, 7:11.95. After finishing his sporting career, Pyshnenko has worked as the head coach for CATs Aquatic Team in Libertyville, Illinois. Pyshnenko is married to Nataliya Meshcheryakova, who won bronze in the medley relay at the 1992 Olympics.

Personal Best: 100 m freestyle – 50.80 (1997); 200 m freestyle – 1:47.94 (1992).