Boris Isachenko

Boris Isachenko from Belarus was a surprise silver medal winner at the 1980 Olympics. Before the Olympics, the Soviet officials had high hopes for Vladimir Yesheyev, who had established himself as the top archer in the Soviet Union before the Olympics, but at the Olympics he had to settle only for sixth place, while his younger and less experienced compatriot Isachenko took silver. Isachenko had never won a major title prior to the 1980 Olympics, and was not very successful also after the Olympics. He never medaled at the World Championships, but took European Championships team silver in 1982 and was indoor European champion in the team event in 1983 and 1987, while taking the indoor European Championships individual silver in 1983. Isachenko also never won a Soviet title. During and after his sporting career, Isachenko worked as a sport official, working with the Soviet State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports in various positions from 1979-91. From 1991-97 Isachenko worked with the Belarus Ministry of Sports, while from 1997-99, he was the president of the Robin Hood Archery Club and also acted as their coach. Isachenko has also been active with the Belorussian Archery Federation and since 1998 has been head coach of the Belorussian national archery team. Since 2002, he has also worked with the Belorussian Olympic Committee.