13 Facts About Vladimir Salnikov

Vladimir Valeryevich Salnikov is a Russian former freestyle swimmer who set 12 world records in the 400,800 and 1,500 metre events.

Vladimir Salnikov was named the Male World Swimmer of the Year in 1979 and 1982 by Swimming World.

Vladimir Salnikov trained at Zenit and later at the Armed Forces sports society.

Vladimir Salnikov made his debut at the Olympic Games in 1976 in Montreal, at the age of 16.

Vladimir Salnikov broke the European record in the 1,500 m, but finished fifth.

At the 1978 World Championships in Berlin, Vladimir Salnikov won gold medals in the 400 and 1,500 m, setting a new world record in the 400 meters.

The United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, but Vladimir Salnikov demonstrated that he was far superior to everybody, winning the 1500 m race in 14:58.27 and becoming the first person to swim the distance under 15 minutes.

Vladimir Salnikov planned to break the 400 m world record, but failed, and had to settle for the Olympic record.

Vladimir Salnikov went back to Seoul in 1988, aged 28, when he was considered too old.

Vladimir Salnikov's titles include four World Championship gold medals, four European Championship gold medals and one European Championship silver medal.

Later in his career, Vladimir Salnikov had a brief stay at Mission Viejo in the United States, where he worked with coaches Mark Shubert, Brian Goodell and Tim Shaw.

Vladimir Salnikov graduated from the Lesgaft Institute of Physical Education in Saint Petersburg and holds a PhD in pedagogy.

The protagonist, claiming to have finished fourth, says that he aimed for bronze, behind two Germans, but underestimated Vladimir Salnikov who "was supposed to be over-the-hill".