Pyotr Bolotnikov

Pyotr Bolotnikov only started athletics at age 20, after joining the Red Army. Bolotnikov won his first Soviet title in 1957, in the 10,000, when he surprisingly defeated the renowned Volodymyr Kuts in the finishing sprint. Bolotnikov won Soviet titles in both the 5K and 10K in 1958-62, adding the 10K national title in 1964 and cross-country title in 1958.

At the 1960 Olympics, Bolotnikov controlled the 10,000 m race from the start to end, easily defeating the favorites, East German Hans Grodotzki and New Zealander Murray Halberg. In October 1960, Bolotnikov lowered the 10,000 m world record by almost by 12 seconds with 28:18.8 at a meet in Kyiv. Just two weeks before the 1962 European Championships, Bolotnikov again bettered that record, posting 28:18.2. He easily won the 10K at the Europeans, but surprisingly finished third in the 5K. After an unsuccessful 1964 Olympics, Bolotnikov retired from competition in 1965. From 1965-85, he was an athletics coach with Spartak Moskva. From 1990-92 Bolotnikov was president of Spartak Moskva and in 1996 was named honorary president of Spartak Moskva.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 13:38.2 (1960); 10000 – 28:18.1 (1962).