Igor Ter-Ovanesyan

The most colorful member of the older generation of Soviet athletes, Igor Ter-Ovanesyan has attended five Olympic Games in 1956-1972.

Five-time European and two-time Olympic medalist in long jump (won bronze medals in Rome and in Tokyo), he also competed at the 1956, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and finished fourth in 1968. At the European Championships he won gold medals in 1958, 62’ and 69’. During his career he broke the European long jump record eight times and world record twice (8.31m in 1962 / 8.35m in 1967).

Became the first European long jumper to break the eight-meters barrier.

Following his retirement from competitions, he chose to serve as a national coach. In 1983–1989 he headed the Soviet track and field team.

 PERSONAL BEST
 Long Jump: 8.35m

TRIVIA
♦ His father, Aram Avetisovich Ter-Ovanesyan, was a discus thrower from Armenia, and his mother was a Ukrainian volleyball player, Valentina Ilinskaya.
♦ He grew up in Moscow, where his family fled during World War II.
♦ Ter-Ovanesyan has married twice and has three children.
♦ In 1985 he was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honour, a civilian award of the Soviet Union.
♦ Holds a PhD and a title of Professor at the Department of Athletics, Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture.
♦ Published several sports-related books in Russian.
♦ In 2013 Igor Ter-Ovanesyan honoured with Special Fair Play award by IAAF.
♦ Spent several years as a member of the IAAF Council.

Text by Evren Özüyener