Soviet Union athlete Igor Ter-Ovanesyan!
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan is a distinguished former Soviet and Ukrainian long jumper, celebrated for his remarkable achievements in athletics during the 20th century. Born on May 19, 1938, in Yerevan, Armenia, Ter-Ovanesyan made a significant impact on the sport, becoming one of the leading long jumpers of his time.
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan Early Career
Ter-Ovanesyan took up athletics at the age of 15 and quickly displayed his talent. Within two years, he was selected for the Soviet national team. He trained initially at Burevestnik in Kiev and later moved to Lviv and Moscow, where he honed his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. His dedication to the sport paid off as he rapidly ascended through the ranks of Soviet athletics.
Major Achievements
Olympic Success
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan represented the Soviet Union in three Olympic Games:
- 1960 Rome Olympics: He won a bronze medal with a jump of 8.04 meters, finishing behind American athletes Ralph Boston and Bo Roberson.
- 1964 Tokyo Olympics: He again secured a bronze medal, this time with a jump of 7.99 meters, trailing Great Britain's Lynn Davies and Ralph Boston once more.
- 1968 Mexico City Olympics: Ter-Ovanesyan finished fourth with a jump of 8.12 meters, narrowly missing out on another medal.
His consistent performances at the Olympics established him as one of the top long jumpers in history.
European Championships
Ter-Ovanesyan's success extended beyond the Olympics:
- He won gold medals at the European Championships in 1958 (Stockholm), 1962 (Belgrade), and 1969 (Athens).
- He also earned silver medals in 1966 (Budapest) and 1971 (Helsinki).
Throughout his career, he broke the European long jump record eight times and set two world records, with his best jumps being 8.31 meters in 1962 and 8.35 meters in 1967.
Coaching Career
After retiring from competitive athletics, Ter-Ovanesyan transitioned into coaching. He became a national coach for the Soviet track and field team from 1983 to 1989, mentoring several successful athletes, including Ineta Radēviča and Tatyana Kolpakova. His extensive knowledge of the sport and dedication to developing talent helped shape the next generation of long jumpers.
Controversies
In addition to his athletic achievements, Ter-Ovanesyan has been involved in some controversies regarding doping in sports. In a press conference held in February 2017, he controversially stated that East German athletes' successes due to state-sponsored doping were legitimate results of "good pharmacology" and should not be condemned. This statement sparked discussions about ethics in sports and doping practices.
Personal Life
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan has been married twice. His first marriage was to Margarita Yurievna Yemelyanova, with whom he had two children: Igor and Karen. Later, he married Olga Arturovna Klein, with whom he had a daughter named Jana.
Legacy
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan's legacy in athletics is marked by his outstanding performances as an athlete and his contributions as a coach. His achievements have inspired countless athletes in long jumping and track and field disciplines. As one of the pioneering figures in Soviet athletics, Ter-Ovanesyan's influence continues to be felt today.
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan Conclusion
Igor Ter-Ovanesyan remains a legendary figure in the world of athletics. With multiple Olympic medals and European championships to his name, he has left an indelible mark on long jumping history. His transition from athlete to coach further exemplifies his commitment to the sport, ensuring that his knowledge and experience continue to benefit future generations of athletes.
