Gennady Prigoda

Gennady Prigoda was the top Soviet/Russian sprinter before the emergence of Aleksandr Popov. During his career, Prigoda won four Olympic medals – silvers in 4×100 freestyle relay at both the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, individual bronze in the 50 free at the 1988 Olympics and medley relay bronze in 1988. At the World Championships, Prigoda won a 4×100 freestyle relay silver (1986) and bronze (1991) and a bronze in the 1991 50 free. At the European Championships, Prigoda won two golds (1987 in medley relay and 1991 in 4×100 freestyle relay), two silvers, both in the 50 free (1987, 1991), and a 1987 4×100 m freestyle relay bronze. Domestically Prigoda was a 10-time Soviet champion – in 50 free (1986, 1988, 1991), 100 freestyle (1988), 4×100 freestyle relay (1985-87), 4×200 free relay (1985-86) and the medley relay (1985). Prigoda finished his sporting career after the 1992 Olympics. He now owns a travelling company and after receiving a pedagogy degree from Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, St. Petersburg in 2004, he has worked as a professor of management with his alma mater.

Personal Best: 50 m freestyle – 22.44 (1991); 100 m freestyle – 49.75 (1988).