Svetlana Masterkova

Svetlana A. Masterkowa (Russian Светлана Александровна Мастеркова, English transcription Svetlana Masterkova, . Born January 17, 1968 in Atschinsk ) is a former Russian middle distance runner. She was two time Olympic gold medalist in 1996.

Biography

The breakthrough came in 1991 with the Soviet Masterkowa Championships, where she was national champion in the 800 meters and failed to qualify for the IAAF World Championships in Tokyo. There she was in the 800 - meter race eighth. In 1992, she had some minor successes, including a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships. In 1994 and 1995 she took a break and gave birth to a daughter.

In 1996 she returned to athletics. She decided to not only run the 800 meters, but also over 1500 meters ( a distance that she had not completed competitively for years). At the Russian Championships, she won both races with very good times. Nevertheless, it was not considered a favorite at the Olympic Games in Atlanta; was expected victory of Maria de Lurdes Mutola and Ana Fidelia Quirot. In the 800 - meter race Masterkowa led away from the start and won. After this surprise was followed by another shock to her competitors, as she also won over 1500 meters.

At the World Athletics Championships 1997 in Athens Masterkowa was unable to match their achievements. A hamstring injury forced her to give up the 1500 -meter - forward playback. The following season, however, was very successful again: The European Athletics Championships 1998 in Budapest she won the 1500 - meter race. At the 1999 World Championships in Seville, she was third in the 800 meters and world champion over 1,500 meters. After the Olympic games were disappointing in Sydney in 2000 for her, she explained at the end of the season they were withdrawing from professional sports.

Since 1996 she holds the current world records (February 2012) about 1000 m ( 2:28,98 min) and in the mile run ( 4:12,56 min).

Awards

• World track and field athlete of the year 1996
• European Athlete of the Year (PAP ) 1996
• European Athlete of the Year ( UEPS ) 1996
• November 14, 2013: inducted into the Hall of Fame of the World Association of Athletics Federations ( IAAF)