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Alexandr SidorencoHonored Master of Sports in swimming. Olympic champion (1980) 400 m medley swimming.
Date of Birth: 27.05.1960
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Content:
- Early Life and Swimming Career
- Olympic Triumph and National Success
- World and European Championships
- Marriage and Family Life
- Post-Swimming Career
Early Life and Swimming Career
Valeriy Viktorovych Sydorenko was born in Mariupol, Ukrainian SSR on March 5, 1959. His passion for swimming began at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Master of Sports of the USSR in 1976.
Olympic Triumph and National Success
Sydorenko's breakthrough came in 1979 when he was recognized as the best swimmer in the Soviet Union. The following year, he reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the gold medal in the 400m individual medley at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, setting a new Olympic record. He also dominated the Soviet National Championships, winning the 200m and 400m individual medley titles 20 times between 1977 and 1986.
World and European Championships
Sydorenko's success extended beyond the Olympics. In 1978, he set a world record in the 200m individual medley, which stood for two years. He also won the gold medal in the 200m individual medley at the 1982 European Championships and set a championship record in the same event at the 1982 World Championships.
Marriage and Family Life
On September 11, 1982, Sydorenko married Yelena Kruglova, a bronze medalist in swimming at the 1980 Olympics. They had a son named Alexander in 1989.
Post-Swimming Career
After retiring from swimming in 1987, Sydorenko pursued a coaching career. He became the coach of the Illichivets water polo team and later its director. In recognition of his contributions to his hometown, Sydorenko was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Mariupol.
