Vladimir Sukharev

Vladimir Sukharev was the top Soviet sprinter in the early 1950s. A veteran of World War II, Sukharev took up athletics in 1946 when he was demobilized from the Army and enrolled at the Kazakhstan Institute of Physical Culture. He was on the Soviet national team from 1948-56. Sukharev won 4x100 relay silvers at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, while placing fifth in the 100 and was eliminated in the 200 quarter-finals at the 1952 Olympics. Sukharev also competed at the 1950 European Championships, where he won gold in the 4x100 and bronze in the 100 metres. Sukharev won nine Soviet titles – 100 in 1950-53; 200 in 1950-52; and 4x100 in 1949 and 1956.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.3 (1951); 200 – 21.1 (1956).