Nikolai SOKOLOV

Nikolay Sokolov rose to prominence in 1957, when he won his first medal, a bronze, in the steeplechase at the Soviet Championships. Sokolov won his first Soviet title in 1960 and was selected for the 1960 Soviet Olympic team. In the Olympic final, Sokolov led at the bell, but was easily run down by the world record holder Pole Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak and had to settle for a silver medal despite a Soviet record of 8:32.4. After the Olympics, Sokolov won bronze at the 1962 European Championships and won his second Soviet title in 1963. Besides his two Soviet titles, Sokolov won silver in 1962 and bronzes in 1957, 1959 and 1961. Outside of sports, Sokolov worked his whole life as a carpenter in construction and also coached young children in his hometown of Vologda.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:32.4 (1960).