Alexandr Sizonenko Basketball player Date of Birth: 20.07.1959 Country: Russia

1. Alexander Sizonenko: The Rise and Fall of a Basketball Giant
2. The Sporting Career
3. The Fall from Grace
4. A Glimmer of Hope

Alexander Sizonenko: The Rise and Fall of a Basketball Giant

Alexander Sizonenko was a pride of the country in the early 80s. He played for the St. Petersburg "Spartak" and the Kuibyshev "Stroitel" basketball teams. His towering height of 2.30 meters made him stand out on the court, and his unique style of measuring the court with giant strides captivated the audience. Sizonenko had all the potential to succeed, as his name was even included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest basketball player in the world.

The Sporting Career

Sizonenko's sporting career began with a stroke of luck. In 1976, he was discovered by Vladimir Kondrashin, the coach of the St. Petersburg "Spartak," during a visit to Kherson. Sizonenko played for "Spartak" for two years before being transferred to the Kuibyshev "Stroitel." This decision was made by Kondrashin himself, as the team was facing medical examinations after the death of the famous Spartak player Alexander Belov. Sizonenko, with his condition of gigantism, was vulnerable to these examinations, but he was determined to overcome his health challenges and compete in the sport he loved.

However, Sizonenko's health issues hindered his progress. While his height continued to increase, he lacked the agility and speed required for the game. He struggled to keep up with the pace of play, particularly in the "Spartak" team. Nevertheless, he found his place in the "Stroitel" team, where he was at his athletic peak. During his time in Kuibyshev, Sizonenko married a Leningrad student named Svetlana Gumenyuk, and their life seemed to be falling into place.

The Fall from Grace

Unfortunately, a series of injuries and health problems brought Sizonenko's career to a halt. He suffered a broken ankle during a game and experienced hormonal imbalances due to the physical strain. In the 1980s, Sizonenko expressed his desire to achieve excellence in basketball, but his dreams were shattered. He and his wife sold their apartment in Samara and moved to St. Petersburg, where they invested the money in a building project.

However, their lives took a turn for the worse when the construction company went bankrupt. Sizonenko was left without a permanent residence and survived on a meager pension. With his health deteriorating, he was unable to seek medical assistance for ten years, which led to the worsening of his conditions. The couple faced extreme hardships, including living in a house without heating or hot water in the village of Gorelovo. Sizonenko's health struggles became more severe during the freezing winters.

A Glimmer of Hope

A glimmer of hope appeared when Sizonenko was invited to Germany for the anniversary of a company specializing in the production of large-size footwear. The company provided him with specialized furniture and shoes. Subsequently, he received another invitation from Gunther von Hagens, a representative of the "Plastination" artist, who offered him a contract to donate his body for anatomical exhibitions in exchange for a lifelong pension. However, Sizonenko declined the offer.

Today, at the age of 45, Sizonenko continues to grow. His height now measures 2.43 meters, and he struggles with osteoporosis, using crutches and experiencing a significant hunch. He also battles heart arrhythmias and diabetes. He lives on a disability pension, struggling to make ends meet, and depends on the support of his neighbors. His son and training sessions provide some solace in his life.

Despite the hardships he has faced, Alexander Sizonenko remains a symbol of resilience and determination. His story has touched the hearts of many, leading to support from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development of the Russian Federation, various businessmen, and the editorial team of "Arguments and Facts" magazine. Efforts are being made to improve his living conditions and provide the necessary medical equipment. The goal is to ensure that athletes who have devoted their lives and health to represent their country do not feel abandoned by society.