Tatyana SHCHELKANOVA

Although mainly known as a long jumper, Tatyana Shchelkanova was also an accomplished sprinter and pentathlete. As the reigning European Champion and world record holder, having set her first long jump world record of 6.48 in 1961, followed by 6.53 in 1962, and 6.70 just months before the 1964 Olympics, Shchelkanova was the clear favorite for Olympic gold in 1964, but in the Olympic final, Brit Mary Rand led from round one and in round five jumped a world record of 6.76 to win gold, leaving Shchelkanova in third place. Besides her Olympic bronze and 1962 European title, Shchelkanova also won gold at the inaugural European Indoor Championships, held in 1966, and she won five golds (long jump in 1961, 1963 and 1965; 100 in 1961; and pentathlon in 1965) and one silver (80 hurdles in 1963) at the Summer Universiade. Shchelkanova won 10 Soviet titles – long jump in 1961-66; 4×100 relay in 1961-63; and pentathlon in 1963. After finishing her sports career, Shchelkanova worked as a department head of the Leningrad Electro-Technical Institute (now St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications).

Personal Best: LJ – 6.73i (1966).