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Ellina ZverevaBelarusian discus thrower
Date of Birth: 16.11.1960
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Professional Career
- Olympic Success
- World Championships Dominance
- Late Career and Retirement
- Legacy
Early Life and Career
Elena Zvereva, a Belarusian discus thrower, was born on December 28, 1963, in Minsk, Belarus. She began training in discus throwing at the age of 13 under the guidance of Valery Koval and Stanislav Lisovich.
Professional Career
In 1984, Zvereva made her professional debut at the age of 20. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning her first major international medal, a bronze at the European Athletics Championships in 1990.
Olympic Success
Zvereva's Olympic journey began at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where she finished 10th. In 1996, she finished 13th in Atlanta. Her breakthrough came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she became the oldest Olympic champion in athletics history at the age of 39.
World Championships Dominance
Alongside her Olympic success, Zvereva also dominated the World Championships. She won two gold medals in 1995 and 1997, and a bronze medal in 2007.
Late Career and Retirement
Zvereva continued competing into her late 40s, making her last Olympic appearance in Beijing in 2008 at the age of 47. She had intended to compete at the 2012 London Olympics, but ultimately decided to retire.
Legacy
Elena Zvereva is widely regarded as one of the greatest discus throwers of all time. Her exceptional technique and longevity made her a force to be reckoned with throughout her career. She holds the Belarusian national record for the discus throw and has been inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame.
