21 Facts About Irina Privalova

Irina Anatolyevna Privalova is a Russian Olympic gold medallist athlete.

Irina Privalova is currently the world indoor record holder in the 50 m and 60 m sprints.

Irina Privalova had tried moving to the 800 m to qualify for the 2004 Olympics.

In 2020, Irina Privalova stood for the presidency of the Russian Athletics Federation.

Irina Privalova later was called to stand-in as acting president when the elected president moved to a government agency.

Irina Privalova came to international recognition in 1991 at the World Indoor Championships that year.

Ottey had her revenge in the 200 m with Irina Privalova coming second, Ottey equalling the world record in her victory.

At the 1993 World Indoor Championships, Irina Privalova narrowly lost to Gail Devers in the 60 m, 6.95 s to 6.97 s, but won the 200 m title.

In 1997, Irina Privalova suffered a torn muscle in the final of 60 m at the World Indoor Championships.

Irina Privalova was out for 18 months but returned to win the 200 m at the European Championships in 1998.

In 2000, Irina Privalova switched to the 400 m hurdles as her main event targeting the 2000 Olympics.

Irina Privalova worked on the switch with her coach and husband, Vladimir Paraschuk.

Irina Privalova achieved Olympic gold after running only 6 races previous to arriving at the games.

Irina Privalova had already stopped racing the 60 m to avoid injuries and was using the 800 m as part of her training schedule.

In 2020, Irina Privalova stood for the presidency of the Russian Athletics Federation.

Irina Privalova was chosen as first vice-president after coming third in the vote.

Irina Privalova married her coach, Vladimir Paraschuk, and in 2000 they lived in Moscow with sons from previous marriages.

Paraschuk was, at that time, coach of track and field at Moscow State University from which Irina Privalova has a degree in journalism.

Under the tutelage of Paraschuk, Irina Privalova trained alone, using the somewhat spartan facilities of the university, rather than attending a sports institute like most of her compatriots.

In 1994, Irina Privalova was awarded European Athlete of the Year trophy for women.

Irina Privalova was ranked among the best in the world in both the 100 and 200 m sprint events in the 1990s, then again later in the 400 m hurdles when she switched to that event in 2000.