Nadezhda Olizarenko

Nadezhda Olizarenko (1953-2017) was a Soviet middle-distance runner who left an indelible mark on the 800 metres. At the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, she won the gold medal in the 800 metres with a world record time of 1:53.43, and also earned a bronze medal in the 1500 metres.

Her 800 metres time remains the second-fastest ever recorded over that distance. Only world record holder Jarmila Kratochvilova, along with Pamela Jelimo and Caster Semenya, have come within a second of Olizarenko's mark.

She also won the 1986 European Championship title in the 800 metres, though she was unable to reach the final in that event at the 1988 Olympics. Additionally, Olizarenko still holds the world record in the 4x800 metres relay, set in 1984.