Olga Bondarenko facts for kids
Olga Petrovna Bondarenko, born on June 2, 1960, in Slavgorod, Russia, is a famous retired athlete. She was a talented runner who specialized in long-distance races, especially the 10,000 metres event. This race is about running ten kilometers, which is like running 25 laps around a standard track! Olga trained with the Armed Forces sports society in Volgograd and proudly represented the Soviet Union in many international competitions.
She competed for the Soviet Union at the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. There, she won the gold medal in the first-ever women's 10,000 metres race at the Olympics. She even set a new Olympic record with her amazing time of 31 minutes and 5.21 seconds.
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Olga's Amazing Achievements
Olga Bondarenko competed in many important athletic events around the world. She showed incredible skill and determination in her races.
Early Successes
In 1985, Olga earned a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres race at the World Cup in Canberra, Australia. This was one of her first big international medals.
European Champion
In 1986, Olga had a fantastic year at the European Championships in Stuttgart, West Germany. She won a gold medal in the 3000 metres race and a silver medal in the 10,000 metres race. This showed she was one of the best runners in Europe!
World Indoor Medal
In 1987, she continued her success by winning a silver medal in the 3000 metres at the World Indoor Championships in Indianapolis, United States.
Olympic Glory
Her biggest achievement came in 1988 at the Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. Olga won the gold medal in the 10,000 metres, making history as the first woman to win this event at the Olympics. Her time of 31:05.21 was an Olympic record at the time.
Later Competitions
Olga also competed at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, representing the Unified Team (EUN), which was made up of athletes from former Soviet republics.
More About Olga
Olga Bondarenko is remembered as a pioneering athlete who achieved great success in long-distance running, especially in the 10,000 metres event. Her Olympic gold medal was a historic moment for women's athletics.
See also
In Spanish: Olga Bondarenko para niños
