Belarus – Like Her

Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko

Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko, born in 1920 in Polotsk, Belarus, grew up in a rural setting with a humble upbringing. Motivated by a strong determination to contribute to the war effort, she joined the Red Army during World War II and worked as a medic in the 849th Rifle Regiment. Despite sustaining serious injuries and enduring a brutal attack, Tusnolobova-Marchenko’s resilience and unwavering commitment earned her the esteemed title of Hero of the Soviet Union and further recognition for her exceptional devotion and service in the field of nursing. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

BelarusGymnast

Svetlana Boginskaya

Svetlana Leonidovna Boginskaya, born on February 9, 1973, in Minsk, Belarus, is a former artistic gymnast known for her remarkable career and numerous achievements. She started as a figure skater before transitioning to gymnastics at the age of six and went on to become one of the most successful gymnasts of her time. Boginskaya’s accomplishments include three Olympic gold medals and a world championship title.

BelarusGymnast

Nellie Kim

Nellie Vladimirovna Kim, a retired Soviet and Belarusian gymnast, overcame doubts and challenges to become one of the most decorated gymnasts in history. She achieved groundbreaking success at the 1976 Summer Olympics, scoring a perfect 10 on the vault and floor exercise. Her contributions as an athlete, coach, and judge have made a lasting impact on women’s gymnastics.

BelarusHammer ThrowerTrack & Field

Aksana Miankova

Aksana Miankova, also known as Oksana Menkova, is a Belarusian hammer thrower. With a personal best of 78.69 meters, she ranks as the third best woman of all time in hammer throw. Despite controversy surrounding a doping violation, Miankova’s accomplishments remain significant, and her impact on the sport cannot be overlooked.

BelarusRowing

Ekaterina Karsten

Ekaterina Karsten, born in 1972 in Osetcheno, Belarus, became a national hero and champion rower. Overcoming obstacles and setbacks, she achieved historic feats in the sport, winning Olympic gold medals and inspiring countless individuals, especially young women, to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles in their own lives. Karsten’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and trailblazing status in Belarusian sports make her a true champion and an inspiring figure in women’s history.

BelarusWeight Lifting

Nastassia Novikava

Nastassia Novikava, born on 16 November 1981 in Zhodzina, Byelorussian SSR, is a world championship winning weightlifter from Belarus. With notable victories and a dedication to her craft, Novikava has left an indelible mark on the sport of weightlifting. Despite a setback due to a doping incident, her accomplishments throughout her career have inspired countless individuals and made her a role model for aspiring athletes.

BelarusTennis

Natasha Zvereva

Natasha Zvereva is a former professional tennis player from Belarus. She won several titles, including four WTA Tour singles titles and an impressive 80 WTA Tour doubles titles. Zvereva partnered with different players to win 18 Grand Slam doubles titles, becoming the most accomplished women’s doubles team since Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver. She was also the first major athlete in the Soviet Union to demand the right to keep her tournament earnings. Zvereva was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.

BelarusGymnast

Olga Korbut

Olga Valentinovna Korbut is a former Soviet Union gymnast who revolutionized the sport with her acrobatics and innovation. Born on May 16, 1955, in Grodno, Belarus, Korbut quickly became a trailblazer in gymnastics, introducing iconic moves like the back tuck and the Korbut flip. Her dynamic performances at the 1972 Olympics captivated audiences worldwide and shifted the focus of the sport. Korbut’s legacy lives on through her countless contributions and inspiration to aspiring gymnasts.