Yury Lituyev

A veteran of World War II, Yury Lituyev was the best European long hurdler in the 1950s. Lituyev won silver at the 1952 Olympics and was fourth in 1956. At the European Championships, Lituyev won gold in 1958 and silvers in 1950 and 1954. In September 1953, during the Hungarian-USSR dual match, Lituyev also set a 400 hurdles world record, when he clocked 50.4 in Budapest. Lituyev set his second world record in October 1954, this time in the 440 yd hurdles, when he clocked 51.3 in London. Lituyev won 13 Soviet titles – 200 in 1952; 400 in 1951; 400 hurdles in 1950-55, 1957 and 1958; and the 4x400 relay in 1950, 1954 and 1957. After finishing his sports career, Lituyev worked as an athletics coach, serving as coach of the 1964 Soviet Olympic team. His wife Valentina (née Bogdanova) was also a track & field athlete, who won the 1950 European long jump title.

Personal Bests: 400 – 48.2 (1953); 400H – 50.4 (1953).