Born: 1974 (Samara, Russia)
Biography:
Mariya Aleksandrovna Kiselyova, known as Maria Kiseleva, was born on September 28, 1974, in Samara, Russia. She is a remarkable figure in the world of synchronized swimming, having achieved numerous successes both as an athlete and as a public figure. Over the course of her career, Kiseleva has also made significant contributions as a TV show presenter and a politician in the United Russia party.
Kiseleva’s journey in synchronized swimming began in 1996 when she participated in her first Olympic Games in Atlanta. Although she and her teammates finished in fourth place in the Team event, it was only the beginning of her illustrious career. Shortly after Atlanta, Kiseleva paired up with the legendary Olga Brusnikina, a Hall of Famer in synchronized swimming. Together, they formed a formidable duet duo that would dominate competitions for the next eight years.
From Atlanta to Athens, Kiseleva and Brusnikina were unstoppable, tasting defeat in only one competition in both the Duet and Team events. Their partnership brought Russia success at the 1998 World Championships and World Cup. However, it was at the 2000 Sydney Olympics that Kiseleva and Brusnikina made history by winning Russia’s first Olympic gold in synchronized swimming. Their remarkable performance in the final round, where they received nine perfect scores out of a possible ten from the judges, showcased their exceptional talent. Using a karate routine set to the beat of Japanese drums, they bested a strong team from Japan.
After the Sydney Olympics, Kiseleva took a break from training and competition, indulging in a much-needed rest. However, in 2003, she made a triumphant comeback, once again partnering with Brusnikina. The duo continued their dominance, winning the World Championship Team competition and securing Kiseleva’s third Olympic gold medal in the team event at the 2004 Athens Olympics. This victory further solidified her legacy as one of the greatest synchronized swimmers of all time.
Beyond her extraordinary achievements in the pool, Kiseleva has also immersed herself in the world of television and politics. In Russia, she is beloved as a TV show presenter, captivating audiences with her charisma and eloquence. Moreover, Kiseleva embarked on a political career, aligning herself with the ruling United Russia party. Currently, she serves as a member of the Moscow City Duma, using her platform to advocate for important issues and make a positive impact on society.
Kiseleva’s dedication, talent, and determination have left an indelible mark on the world of synchronized swimming, inspiring countless athletes to pursue excellence in this discipline. Her contributions to women’s sports and her achievements in her multifaceted career make her an influential figure both in and outside of the pool.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal (2000 Sydney Olympics, Synchronized Swimming – Duet)
– Olympic Gold Medal (2004 Athens Olympics, Synchronized Swimming – Team)
– World Championship Gold Medal (1998)
– World Cup Gold Medal