Moscow, Pirita, July 1980: Valentyn MANKIN of the Soviet Union, winner of the sailing Star class at the Games of the XXII Olympiad. Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

   Ukrainian sailor Valentyn Mankin scored his first Olympic triumph at the 1968 Mexico City Games when he swamped his 35 opponents in the Finn class, finishing first or second in five of the seven races to win the gold medal. In 1972, Mankin switched classes and teamed with Vitaly Dyrdyra to win the Tempest class. In 1976 he added a silver with a new partner, Vladyslav Akimenko. By the time of the Moscow Games, Mankin was 41 years old. This time he joined with Aleksandrs Muzichenko and entered the Star class. The contest went down to the final race, but Mankin pulled off the victory. Valentyn Mankin remains the only sailor in Olympic history to win gold medals in three different classes.

Moscow, Pirita, July 1980: medal ceremony for the sailing Star class at the Games of the XXII Olympiad: Valentyn Mankin of the Soviet Union, 1st. Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

Credit: IOC

For further info., please visit http://www.olympic.org/uk/athletes/profiles/bio_uk.asp?par_i_id=41829.