Semyon Rzhishchin

Semyon Rzhishchin was the world’s top steeplechaser in the late 1950s, although he never won a major international title. A five-time Soviet steeplechase champion (1955-59), Rzhishchin won bronze at the 1960 Olympics and silver at the 1958 European Championships. Besides his five titles, Rzhishchin also won silver at the 1960 Soviet Championships and set two world records during his career – 8:39.8 during the 1956 Soviet Championships, and 8:35.6, set in 1958. After finishing his sports career, Rzhishchin worked as an athletics coach and official and died of a heart attack while officiating a local cross-country tournament in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:35.6 (1958).