Otkalenko, Nina Grigorevna

Otkalenko, Nina Grigor’evna

 

Born May 23, 1928, in the village of Kozhlia, Kurchatov Raion, Kursk Oblast. Soviet athlete, coach, and instructor. Honored Master of Sports (1953).

During the 1950’s, Otkalenko broke European and world records 15 times. She broke records in the USSR 22 times and was 17 times declared champion of the USSR in the 400-m and 800-m runs and in relay competitions. She was a six-time winner of the cross-country races sponsored by the newspaper L’Humanité. Otkalenko has been awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor.