Vera Kalashnikova-Krepkina

Vera Krepkina (née Kalashnykova) was one of the top Soviet female sprinters in the 1950s. During her career, Krepkina competed at three consecutive Olympics, starting in 1952, and was fourth with the Soviet 4×100 relay team three times. She was also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 100 metres in 1952 and 1956, and in the first round of the 100 in 1960, but her best achievement in major internationals came in the 1960 Olympic long jump, where she won a surprising gold medal.

Before the 1960 Olympics, Krepkina had competed rarely in long jump although she had won the long jump at the 1959 USA-USSR dual match held in Philadelphia. At the Olympics, Krepkina was not considered a favorite, but after taking a lead in the third round of the final with 6.22 and then leaping 6.37 in round four, which would remain her personal best in long jump, Krepkina won the gold medal over defending champion Elżbieta Krzesińska and world record holder Hildrun Claus.

Krepkina also competed at two European Championships during her career, winning a 4×100 relay gold in 1954 and 1958, and a 100 silver in 1958. Krepkina also set four world records during her career. In 1958 she equaled the 100 world record of 11.3; was on two Soviet 4×100 relay teams that set two world records – 45.6 in 1953 and 45.2 in 1956; and in 1953 ran on a 4×200 relay team that recorded 1:36.4. Krepkina won eight Soviet titles – 100 in 1952, 1957 and 1958; 200 in 1952; 4×100 relay in 1952, 1960 and 1965; and 4×200 relay in 1952. Krepkina worked as a children’s coach in Ukraine after retiring from sports.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.3 (1958); LJ – 6.37 (1960).