Nadezhda CHIZHOVA

Nadezhda Chizhova was the top female shot putter of the world in the late 1960s and early 70s. She competed in three Olympics and won a full set of Olympics medals (gold in 1972, silver in 1976 and bronze in 1968). Chizhova also became the first woman in the world to break the 20 and 21 metre barriers and set seven world records during her career – 18.67 (1968), 19.72, 20.09, 20.43 (all in 1969), 20.63, 21.03 (both in 1972) and 21.20 (1973). Chizhova also won four gold medals at the European Championships (1966, 1969, 1971 and 1974), won two golds at the Universiade (1970, 1973) and was a six-time Soviet champion (1967-70, 1972, 1974). Chizhova retired from sports after the 1976 Olympics and has worked as an athletics coach in St. Petersburg.

Personal Best: SP – 21.45 (1973).