Births on January 23

Yelena Sinchukova, Russian long jumper

Yelena Sinchukova (Russian: Елена Синчукова; née Ivanova), born on January 23, 1961, is a distinguished retired Russian track and field athlete renowned primarily for her exceptional prowess in the long jump. Her career spanned a period when Russian athletics produced numerous world-class talents, and she firmly established herself among the elite on the international stage.

Originally hailing from Kemerovo, a significant industrial and coal-mining city in Siberia, Russia, Sinchukova's athletic journey began with a demonstration of remarkable versatility. Early in her career, she showcased her diverse athletic abilities by competing in combined events, which typically involve multiple disciplines such as the heptathlon (for women) encompassing running, jumping, and throwing events. This foundational experience honed her all-around athleticism before she ultimately specialized in the long jump. While her focus became the long jump, she also occasionally participated in the triple jump, a challenging event that requires a hop, a skip, and a jump, further highlighting her adaptability within horizontal jumps.

Sinchukova's career was marked by appearances at the pinnacle of international athletics. She proudly represented Russia at the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia, an experience that epitomizes an athlete's ultimate aspiration. Beyond the Olympic Games, her competitive spirit led her to participate in two World Championships, competing among the globe's finest long jumpers. These included the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, and the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, where she measured herself against the world's best.

A testament to her world-class ability, Yelena Sinchukova achieved remarkable personal bests in the long jump. Her outdoor personal best stands at an impressive 7.20 metres, a mark she achieved in Budapest, Hungary, in 1991. This outstanding jump solidified her position as one of the elite long jumpers of her era, placing her among the top all-time performers globally. For context, a jump of 7.20 meters is considered an exceptional achievement, placing an athlete firmly in the highest echelons of the sport. Her indoor personal best is 6.84 metres, set in Chișinău, Moldova, in 1995. These personal records underscore her consistent excellence and ability to perform at the highest level in both indoor and outdoor conditions, showcasing her peak physical and technical prowess during a highly competitive period in long jump history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yelena Sinchukova

When and where was Yelena Sinchukova born?

Yelena Sinchukova was born on January 23, 1961, in Kemerovo, Russia.

What was Yelena Sinchukova's primary athletic discipline?

She primarily specialized in the long jump, though she also competed in combined events and occasionally the triple jump earlier in her career.

Did Yelena Sinchukova compete in the Olympic Games?

Yes, she competed in the long jump at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

What are Yelena Sinchukova's personal bests in the long jump?

Her outdoor personal best is 7.20 metres (set in Budapest, 1991), and her indoor personal best is 6.84 metres (set in Chișinău, 1995).

How significant is a 7.20m long jump?

A jump of 7.20 metres is considered an elite, world-class performance, placing an athlete among the top long jumpers historically and demonstrating exceptional skill and athleticism.