Valeriy Borzov

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Valeriy Borzov's place in Olympic history is secure as the only Soviet sprinter to win the 100m title. His double victory in Munich was a watershed moment, ending American sprint supremacy. He is often hailed as the greatest Soviet sprinter, and his five Olympic medals across three Games underline his consistency at the highest level.His image on the Voyager Golden Record adds a unique, cosmic dimension to his legacy, ensuring his name travels beyond Earth. In Ukraine, he is a national treasure, and his post-athletic career in sports administration further cemented his impact.

AwardsValeriy Borzov won two Olympic gold medals and one silver at the 1972 Munich Games, plus additional medals from 1968 and 1976, totaling five Olympic medals. He also claimed three consecutive European 100m titles (1969, 1971, 1974) and one European 200m title in 1971. His achievements earned him the Order of Lenin, the Soviet Union's highest civilian honor.

Honours & Distinctions

Order of Lenin

Soviet Union·1972

Highest civilian honor for his Olympic achievements.

IOC Member

International Olympic Committee·1990

Serves as a member representing Ukraine.

President of NOC Ukraine

National Olympic Committee of Ukraine·1990

Led the committee from 1990 to 1998.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Soviet Sprinter

Athletics community·1972

Magazine Covers

CNN

September 2020

Voyager Golden Record: Munich 1972

Records & Feats

First Soviet athlete to win Olympic 100m title

Historic First·1972

Won the 100m at the 1972 Munich Olympics, ending American dominance.

Soviet/Ukrainian national record in 200m

National Record·1972

Ran 20.00 seconds at Munich 1972, a record that stood for decades.

Image included on Voyager Golden Record

Space·1977

One of the few athletes whose image was sent into interstellar space.