Svetlana Shkolina

Svetlana Shkolina by Augustas Didzgalvis

Svetlana Vladimirovna Shkolina (Russian: Светлана Владимировна Школина; born 9 March 1986) is a retired Russian high jumper. She is best known for winning a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and for her gold medal at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics held in Moscow, Russia. Shkolina's personal best jump is 2.03 meters, achieved in July 2013, which ranks her among the top female high jumpers of all time.

Career

Shkolina's international career began to gain prominence in 2008, but it was not until the 2012 Olympics that she became widely recognized. Her performance in London, where she cleared 2.03 meters, secured her the bronze medal in a highly competitive field. This achievement was a significant milestone in her career, establishing her as one of the leading high jumpers in the world.

In 2013, Shkolina continued her success by winning the gold medal at the World Championships in Moscow. Her winning jump of 2.03 meters was a personal best and demonstrated her ability to perform at the highest level in front of a home crowd. This victory was a highlight of her career, showcasing her talent and determination.

Throughout her career, Shkolina has been known for her consistent performances and has been a regular finalist in major international competitions, including the European Athletics Championships and the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Technique and Training

Shkolina's high jumping technique and training regimen have been subjects of interest for coaches and athletes alike. She employs the Fosbury Flop, a technique popularized in the late 1960s, which involves jumping backward over the bar. Her training focuses on building strength, agility, and technique, with a particular emphasis on perfecting her takeoff and flight phases.

Personal Life

Svetlana Shkolina was born in Yartsevo, Smolensk Oblast, Russia. From a young age, she showed a natural talent for athletics, particularly in high jump. Her dedication and talent were evident early on, leading her to pursue a career in professional athletics.

Legacy

Shkolina's achievements in the high jump have made her one of the most celebrated athletes in Russian track and field history. Her success at the Olympics and World Championships has inspired a new generation of Russian high jumpers. Despite her retirement, her influence on the sport continues, with many young athletes citing her as an inspiration.

Controversy

Shkolina's career has not been without controversy. Like many Russian athletes, she has been subject to scrutiny regarding the widespread doping scandal that has affected Russian athletics. However, as of the last update, Shkolina herself has not been publicly implicated in any doping violations.