Leonid SHCHERBAKOV

Leonid Shcherbakov was considered as the second best triple jumper in the world in the 1950s after the legendary Adhemar da Silva. Shcherbakov won Olympic silver in 1952 behind da Silva and was European Champion in 1950 and 1954. He also set one ratified world record, jumping 16.23 in Moskva in July 1953. Shcherbakov won eight Soviet titles in a row, 1949-56.

After finishing his career, Shcherbakov worked with the Central Institute of Physical Culture (now the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism) and later worked as a triple jump coach in Algeria and Cuba. In Cuba he coached Pedro Pérez when Pérez set a world record of 17.40 in 1971. In 1987 the IAAF named Shcherbakov among the top 10 triple jumpers of all-time.

Personal Best: TJ – 16.46 (1956).