Uljana Semjonova facts for kids
Stefania Passaro boxing out Semjonova in 1982
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| Born | 9 March 1952 Zarasai, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union |
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| Nationality | Latvian | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 8 January 2026 (aged 73) Riga, Latvia |
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| Listed weight | 127 kg (280 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Pro career | 1968–1989 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1968–1987 | TTT Riga | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1987–1988 | Tintoretto Getafe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1988–1989 | Valenciennes-Orchies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Uļjana Semjonova (born March 9, 1952 – died January 8, 2026) was a truly amazing basketball player from Latvia. She was known for her incredible height and skill on the court. Uļjana played for the Soviet Union and became one of the most famous women's basketball players in history.
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A Basketball Legend
Uļjana Semjonova was considered the best women's basketball player in the world during the 1970s and 1980s. She was very tall, standing at 210 cm (about 6 feet 11 inches). Her shoe size was also famously large, a men's size 21 (US).
Dominating with TTT Riga
For most of her career, Uļjana played for a team called TTT Riga. This team was part of a sports group in the Soviet Union. With TTT Riga, she achieved incredible success.
- She helped her team win 15 championships in the Soviet Union.
- They also won the European Champion's Cup 15 times! This shows how dominant she and her team were.
Olympic Gold and Unbeaten Record
Uļjana was also a star on the international stage. She played for the Soviet Union's national team.
- She won two Olympic Gold medals. These were at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
- What's even more amazing is that she never lost a single game in official international competitions!
Between 1968 and 1985, she played 100 games for the Soviet Union. She scored 1614 points during these games.
Life Beyond the Court
Facing Health Challenges
Later in her life, Uļjana Semjonova faced various health challenges. Despite these difficulties, she remained a respected figure in the sports world.
Honored Forever
Uļjana Semjonova received many important awards for her amazing career.
- In 1976, she was given the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, a high honor in the Soviet Union.
- She made history in 1993 by becoming the first woman from outside the United States to join the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This is a very special place for basketball legends.
- In 1999, she was also one of the first people to be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
- The FIBA Hall of Fame welcomed her in 2007, recognizing her global impact on basketball.
- In 2007, she received the Lifetime Contribution to Sport award in Latvia, celebrating her long and successful career.
See also
In Spanish: Uliana Semiónova para niños
