Andrey Prokofyev

Andrey Prokofyev was one of the best Soviet high hurdlers in the 1980s and also helped the Soviet team to medal in the short relay at various championships. Prokofyev came to international attention at the 1979 Universiade, when he won the 110 m hurdles, repeating that victory at the 1983 Universiade. At the 1980 Moskva Olympics, Prokofyev was fourth in the 110 m hurdles and won gold as the anchor leg for the Soviet 4x100 m relay team. At the 1982 European Championships, Prokofyev won the silver medal in the 110 m hurdles and added another gold in the relay. At the inaugural World Championships in 1983, Prokofyev was eliminated in the heats of the high hurdles, but won bronze with the Soviet sprint relay team.

Prokofyev’s later career was hampered by injuries and he made his last international appearance at the 1986 European Championships, where he was eliminated in the heats of the 110 metre hurdles. Prokofyev won four Soviet 110 hurdles titles (1978, 1982-83, 1986) and one 100 metre title in 1982. After retiring from competition, Prokofyev worked as an athletics coach in Russia and East Germany. Unfortunately, he suffered from clinical depression which led to alcoholism and a few weeks after his 30th birthday, Prokofyev committed suicide by hanging himself.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.33 (1982); 110H – 13.28 (1988).