Born: 1962 (Omsk, Soviet Union)
Died: 2020 (Bremen, Germany)
Biography:
Maryna Bazanova (Ukrainian: , 25 December 1962 – 27 April 2020) was a Ukrainian handball player who competed for the Soviet Union in the 1988 Summer Olympics and for the Unified Team in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Bazanova was born on 25 December 1962 in Omsk, Soviet Union. From a young age, she showed great talent and passion for handball. She dedicated herself to the sport and honed her skills, eventually becoming one of the most formidable players of her time.
She began her professional career with Spartak Kiev, where she quickly established herself as a key player. Bazanova’s exceptional speed, agility, and accuracy earned her a reputation as a formidable opponent on the handball court. Her skill and determination led her to be noticed by international scouts, and she soon received offers to play for teams in Europe.
In pursuit of further challenges and opportunities, Bazanova embarked on a journey to Germany. She played for TuS Walle Bremen and later joined Werder Bremen, where she continued to excel and impress both teammates and opponents alike. Her exceptional performances on the European stage showcased her immense talent and solidified her status as one of the best handball players of her generation.
In 1988, Bazanova had the honor of representing the Soviet Union in the Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. She displayed skill, determination, and leadership, helping her team secure the bronze medal. Throughout the tournament, Bazanova played all five matches and scored an impressive 13 goals.
Four years later, she was a member of the Unified Team, which competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Once again, Bazanova showcased her exceptional abilities, playing an integral role in the team’s success. The Unified Team won the bronze medal, with Bazanova contributing significantly by scoring 19 goals in the five matches she played.
Beyond her Olympic accomplishments, Bazanova also had a remarkable career in international handball. She was a three-time World Women’s Handball Champion, winning the title in 1982, 1986, and 1990. Her contributions to the sport were instrumental in establishing the Soviet Union and later the Unified Team as dominant forces in women’s handball.
Off the court, Bazanova inspired many young athletes with her dedication and passion for handball. She served as a role model for aspiring players in Ukraine and around the world, encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
Tragically, Maryna Bazanova passed away on 27 April 2020 in Bremen, Germany. Her untimely death was mourned by the handball community, who recognized her as one of the sport’s true legends. Her impact on women’s handball continues to be felt to this day, and her legacy as a pioneering figure in the sport will forever be remembered.
Awards:
– Bronze Medal, 1988 Summer Olympics
– Bronze Medal, 1992 Summer Olympics
– Three-time World Women’s Handball Champion (1982, 1986, 1990)