Viktor Mazanov

Viktor Mazanov was the best Soviet backstroke swimmer of his era, but found his international fame mostly in freestyle relay races. Mazanov made his international début at the 1962 European Championships, where he reached the semi-finals of the 200 backstroke. Next, Mazanov competed at the 1964 Olympics, where he was sixth in the 200 backstroke. At the 1966 European Championships, Mazanov won his first international tournament medals, a gold in the medley relay and silver in the 4x100 free relay, but again missed a medal in his main event, the 200 back, placing fifth. At the 1968 Olympics, Mazanov won silver in the 4x100 free relay and repeated that feat at the 1972 Olympics, where he also won bronze in the 4x200 relay. In 1970, Mazanov won his second European title, this time in the 4x100 freestyle relay. Domestically, Mazanov won 14 Soviet titles – 100 backstroke: 1964, 1966, 1968-69; 200 backstroke in 1963-66; 4x100 free relay: 1967, 1969, 1973, 1975; and medley relay in 1963 and 1965.

Personal Best: 100 m freestyle – 52.88 (1972); 200 m freestyle – 1:56.93 (1972); 100 m backstroke – 1:00.0 (1966); 200 m backstroke – 2:11.8 (1966).