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Roman YakovlevRussian volleyball player, Honored Master of Sports
Date of Birth: 13.08.1976
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Biography of Roman Yakovlev
Early life and CareerRoman Yakovlev is a Russian volleyball player and an Honored Master of Sports. He began playing volleyball at the age of 9 in a sports school in Kharkov under the guidance of coach Lyubov Mikhaylovna Korenko. In 1992, he made his debut in the Ukrainian Championship League with the Kharkov "Lokomotiv" team. The same year, he enrolled in Kharkov Law Academy and won gold medals in both the top and first leagues of the Ukrainian Championship with "Lokomotiv" and "Yurakademiya" respectively.
Move to Russia
In 1995, due to disagreements with his coach, Yakovlev was expelled from "Yurakademiya" and had doubts about continuing his volleyball career. However, he was soon invited by Gennady Shipulin to join "Belogorye" along with a group of newcomers. Yakovlev obtained Russian citizenship and transferred to the pedagogical institute's law department. With "Belogorye-Dynamo," he became a two-time Russian champion in 1997 and 1998.
International Career
On May 15, 1998, Yakovlev played his first official match for the Russian national team against Poland in the World League, which Russia lost 2-3. Despite this, Yakovlev was named the best server in the "Final Four" of the tournament. In November 1998, he participated in the World Championships in Japan.
In the 1998/99 season, Yakovlev became the top scorer in the Russian Championship. However, his performance in the World League was not impressive, and he was dismissed from the national team in July 1999. Eventually, Yakovlev was reinstated and played a crucial role in the European Championship, where Russia won the silver medal. He also had a remarkable performance in the World Cup, where he was named the best attacker and the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Italian Career
In the autumn of 1999, Yakovlev joined the Italian league and played for "Forli." He became the top scorer of the league and was named the best player of the championship by La Gazzetta dello Sport. In 2000, Yakovlev won the silver medal at the Sydney Olympics and set a Russian record for the fastest serve with a speed of 125 km/h. He later played for "Modena" and won the Italian Championship in the 2001/02 season. Yakovlev also had success in European competitions, reaching the finals of the Champions League and winning the CEV Cup.
Later Career
Yakovlev returned to Russia in 2004 and played for "Iskra" and then "Fakel." In 2007, he won the CEV Cup with "Fakel." Yakovlev continued his career in the Russian Super League, playing for "Dynamo-Yantar" and eventually joining "Dynamo" Moscow. With his contribution, "Dynamo" Moscow achieved bronze in the Super League and reached the final of the Champions League. Yakovlev also represented the Russian national team until 2003, participating in various international tournaments.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Yakovlev has achieved numerous accolades, including:
- Silver medalist at the Sydney Olympics (2000)
- Silver medalist at the World Championships (2002)
- Silver and bronze medalist at the European Championships (1999, 2001, 2003)
- Winner of the World Cup (1999)
- Winner of the World League (2002)
- Two-time Russian champion (1996/97, 1997/98)
- Winner of the Russian Cup (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)
- Champion of Italy (2001/02)
- Winner of the CEV Cup (2003/04, 2006/07)
- Best server in the World League (1998)
- Most Valuable Player and best attacker in the World Cup (1999)
- Highest scorer in the Russian Championship (1998/99)
- Best player of the Italian Championship according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (1999/00)
- Recipient of the Order of Friendship (2001)
- Honored Master of Sports of Russia (1999)
