Natalia MESHCHERYAKOVA

Nataliya Meshcheryakova won her only major international title, in the 50 metre freestyle, at her last international tournament, the 1997 European Championships. Meshcheryakova made her international début at the 1992 Olympics, where she won bronze in the medley relay and was sixth in the 50 free. At the 1993 European Championships Meshcheryakova won silver in the medley relay and bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay while unfortunately placing fourth in both the 50 and 100 freestyles. At the 1994 World Championships Meshcheryakova won silver in the 50 free and was again a member of the bronze medal-winning Russian medley relay team. Meshcheryakova did not medal at the 1996 Olympics, placing eighth in the 50 freestyle and, at the 1997 European Championships, in addition to her 50 freestyle title, she won silver in the medley relay and bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay. Domestically, Meshcheryakova won the Russian 50 and 100 metre freestyle titles from 1993-97. Meshcheryakova retired from sports at the end of 1997 and later married Vlad Pyshnenko, who won a 4x200 freestyle relay gold at the 1992 Olympics.

Personal Best: 50 m freestyle – 25.10 (1994); 100 m freestyle – 55.58 (1994).