Vasily Vlasenko

Vasily Vlasenko first took up running while doing his military service, where he soon attained the Russian GTO standard for physical culture and sports. In 1955 Vlasenko represented the Soviet team at the 5th World Festival of Youth and Students in Poland, winning gold in the 3,000 metres steeplechase. That same year he equalled the then world record in the event when he ran 8:45.4 in Moskva. In 1956 he came third at the national championship, earning himself a place on the Soviet Olympic team for the Melbourne Games. In Melbourne, however, he had a disappointing performance, finishing seventh in his heat and failing to advance to the final. Vlasenko retired from athletics in 1960 and became a coach for athletes with hearing impairments, with several of his students competing at the Deaflympics.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:43.2 (1958).