Aleksandr Chayev started out as a long distance freestyle swimmer but, as he was always under the shadow of the great Vladimir Salnikov, he decided to switch to shorter distances during the latter part of his career, but not very successfully. Chayev first competed internationally at the 1980 Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the 1,500 behind Salnikov. Chayev competed in only one other international meet, the 1981 European Championships, where he won gold in the 4×200 freestyle relay and was fourth in the 1,500. He was also the 1981 Universiade 1,500 champion. Domestically, at the Soviet championships, Chayev never won a Soviet title, but won five silver medals (1979/81 1,500, 1983 200 free, 1981/83 4×200 free relay) and bronze twice (1985-86 200 free). After his sporting career, Chayev worked as a swimming coach.
Personal Bests: 200 m freestyle – 1:51.81 (1982); 400 m freestyle – 3:55.53 (1983); 1,500 m freestyle – 15:14.30 (1980).
Soviet Union
Russian Federation