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Sergey AlifrenkoSoviet and Russian pistol shooter
Date of Birth: 21.01.1959
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Sergey Alifirenko: From Army Officer to Olympic Champion
- Return to Sport and Olympic Triumph
- Disqualification and Controversies
- Legacy and Family
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
Sergey Alifirenko: From Army Officer to Olympic Champion
Early Life and Missed OpportunitySergey Alifirenko's journey towards Olympic glory began at the tender age of 11 when he first picked up a shooting rifle. However, his progress was cut short at age 25 due to a strict age limit imposed on shooting, deeming athletes "veterans" at 28.
Return to Sport and Olympic Triumph
After completing his studies at the Military Institute of Physical Culture, Alifirenko became a coach in Tbilisi. The political turmoil in the region forced him to leave Georgia, and he relocated to Rostov on the recommendation of the military commander. In 1993, he made a remarkable comeback, motivated by the prospect of obtaining an apartment from the army.
Alifirenko excelled rapidly, joining the Russian national team in 1994 and receiving an apartment in Maykop in 1995, where he continues to train and represent the Russian Defense Ministry's Sports Club. He achieved his crowning achievement at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, winning the gold medal in the rapid-fire pistol event.
Disqualification and Controversies
In the lead-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Alifirenko faced scrutiny after testing positive for a banned substance. He was subsequently disqualified for two years by the International Shooting Federation. The Russian Shooting Union attributed the positive result to medical negligence, claiming that the prohibited beta-blockers were used to treat Alifirenko's glaucoma.
Legacy and Family
Sergey Alifirenko is a respected athlete who has made significant contributions to shooting. He is a three-time Olympic medalist, a World Cup champion, and a multiple European champion.
Awards and Recognition
Alifirenko's achievements have garnered him numerous awards, including the Order of Honour (2001), the Medal of Merit for the Fatherland, Second Class (2005), and the title of Honoured Master of Sports of Russia (2000).
Personal Life
Alifirenko is married and has three sons. Two of his sons have followed in his footsteps: the eldest, Maxim, studies at the Voronezh Institute of Physical Culture in the shooting department, while the youngest, Alexander, trains alongside his father.
