Serhiy Fesenko

Ukrainian Serhiy Fesenko was equally strong in both butterfly and individual medley swimming and represented the Soviet Union in both styles at major international tournaments. Fesenko made his international début at the 1977 European Championships, where he won the 400 IM, a feat he also repeated at the 1981 European Championships. Next Fesenko competed at the 1978 World Championships, where he won silver in the 400 IM. At the 1980 Olympics Fesenko won gold in the 200 butterfly and silver in the 400 individual medley. At the 1981 European Championships, in addition to his 400 IM title, Fesenko won bronze in the 200 fly. At the 1982 World Championships he won silver in the 200 fly and bronze in the 400 IM. At the 1983 European Championships Fesenko won silver in the 200 butterfly before making his last international appearance at the 1984 Friendship Games, again winning silver in the 200 fly. Fesenko won the European Cup 200 butterfly in 1979 and 1981 and the 400 IM in 1982. He was also the Universiade champion in 200 butterfly in 1981 and 1983 and won the IM double in 1981. Domestically, Fesenko won six Soviet titles: 200 fly – 1979, 1981, 1983; 400 IM – 1977-78, 1982. After finishing his sporting career in 1984, Fesenko worked as a swimming coach in his native Ukraine. He also became the vice-president of Kyiv City Swimming Federation. His sons Serhiy and Kyrylo were also competitive swimmers.

Personal Best: 100 m butterfly – 56.95 (1980); 200 m butterfly – 1:59.52 (1984); 200 m individual medley – 2:06.34 (1981); 400 m individual medley – 4:22.10 (1980).