Yelena Gorchakova

Yelena Gorchakova was among the top female javelin throwers of the world during her teens, figuring in the top 10 list from 1950-52. Although Gorchakova had not medaled at the Soviet Championships, she was ranked number two behind Galina Zybina in the world top 10 list in 1952 and was selected for the 1952 Soviet Olympic team, winning an Olympic bronze in Helsinki. During the next 10 years, Gorchakova continued to figure in the world top 10 list several times, but due to fierce competition within the Soviet national team, was never selected to represent her country internationally until she competed at the 1962 European Championships, where she finished eighth.

Gorchakova’s “second coming” began at the 1963 Soviet Championships, where she won her first Soviet title, her previous medals at the Soviet Championships being a silver in 1955 and bronzes in 1961-62. Gorchakova was selected for the 1964 Soviet Olympic team, but was not considered among the favorites. However, in the qualifying round, she threw 62.40 (204-8¾) on her first attempt to set a world record, which was also the first ratified throw past the Imperial barrier of 200 feet. In the final, Gorchakova was less successful, settling for a bronze medal. After the Olympics, Gorchakova won her second Soviet title in 1965 and competed at the 1966 European Championships, where she finished fourth, to conclude her athletics career.

Personal Best: JT – 62.40 (1964).