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Igor BokiBelarusian Paralympic swimmer
Date of Birth: 28.06.1994
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Igor Boki was born on June 28, 1994, in Bobruisk, Belarus. Despite his challenges with vision, he developed a passion for swimming at a young age. Boki's mother revealed that he initially resisted swimming but eventually embraced it as a way to channel his boundless energy. Under the guidance of coach Natalya Pozdnyakova, Boki's talent became evident, though he faced initial disciplinary issues.
Para-Swimming Career
Due to his vision impairment, Boki was classified as an S13 swimmer. In this category, he achieved remarkable success, becoming a 16-time Paralympic champion, a multiple world and European champion, and a Master of Sports of the Republic of Belarus (2011). Boki is renowned for his dominance in the 50, 100, 200, and 400-meter freestyle; 50, 100, and 200-meter backstroke; 100 and 200-meter butterfly; and 200-meter individual medley. His accomplishments have earned him comparisons to legendary swimmer Michael Phelps.
Olympic Achievements
Boki's Paralympic career has been marked by exceptional performances. At the 2012 London Paralympics, he won six medals, including five golds. In 2016, he repeated this feat at the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics, claiming six golds and one bronze. Most recently, at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Boki captured five gold medals, reaffirming his status as a Paralympic legend.
Personal Life
Igor Boki married Marina in 2019. The couple lives in Minsk and has a young daughter. Boki is a graduate of the Minsk Oblast School of Olympic Reserve (2012) and the Belarusian State University's Institute of Business and Management Technologies (logistics).
