Yevgeny Kadyaykin

Of Kazakh ancestry, Yevgeny Kadyaykin worked in an arms factory during World War II before studying at Orenburg Polytechnic Institute (now Orenburg State University). After graduating in 1947, he entered the Kazakh State Institute of Physical Culture and trained in track athletics. He joined the Soviet national team in 1953, after winning his first national championship in the 3000 metres steeplechase, and attended the 1954 European Championships, where he placed eighth due to injury. He also competed in that event at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, but was eliminated in round one. Domestically, he earned five Soviet titles, 17 Kazakh state titles in various disciplines, and set 29 state records. Following his retirement from active competition, he coached the Kazakh regional athletics team and was an honorary professor at the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism. He also played billiards nationally at the masters’ level.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:47.8 (1956).