Mikhail Shakirov

Mukhamed “Mikhail” Shakirov was of Tajik origin and took up track athletics in school. By 1951 he had advanced to long-distance running and the following year became a member of his regional team, winning 32 Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic titles. It was not until 1965, however, that he made the Soviet national team, and in 1968 he reached the peak of his career by becoming national runner-up in the marathon, behind Yury Volkov. While Volkov failed to start that event at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Shakirov failed to finish. He retired from active competition shortly after the Games and turned to coaching. By career he was a metallurgist, and also served as a border guard from 1955 through 1958.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-20:05 (1965).