1. Overview
Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Volkov (Александр Александрович ВолковRussian; born 14 February 1985) is a former Russian volleyball player and current coach. He was a member of the Russia men's national volleyball team, achieving a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He also won a gold medal at the 2011 FIVB Men's World Cup and multiple medals in the FIVB World League. Volkov currently serves as a head coach for Belogorie in the Russian Volleyball Super League.
2. Personal Information
Aleksandr Volkov's fundamental personal data includes his full name, birth details, nationality, and physical attributes relevant to his career as a professional volleyball player.
Born on 14 February 1985, his full name is Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Volkov. He was born in Moscow, then part of the RSFSR in the USSR. He holds Russian nationality. Volkov's physical attributes include a height of 6.9 ft (2.1 m) and a weight of 220 lb (100 kg). His primary playing position was middle blocker. He had a spike reach of 142 in (360 cm) and a block reach of 132 in (335 cm).
3. Playing Career
Aleksandr Volkov's playing career spanned over two decades, marked by his contributions to various prominent clubs and the Russian national team.
3.1. Club Career
Volkov began his professional club career in 2002, joining Dinamo Moscow in the Russian Volleyball Super League. After a stint with Luch Moscow from 2004 to 2005, he returned to Dinamo Moscow, where he played until 2010. During this period, he achieved significant success, winning the Russian League and Russian Cup titles in both 2006 and 2008.
In June 2010, Volkov transferred to Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo in the Italian Serie A, playing there for the 2010-2011 season. Following his time in Italy, he moved to Zenit Kazan, where he had a highly successful period from 2011 to 2015. He then played for Ural Ufa (2015-2016) and Gazprom-Ugra Surgut (2016) before returning to Dinamo Moscow for a brief period in 2017. He subsequently joined Zenit Saint Petersburg (2017-2019) and Dynamo-LO (2019-2020), before a second tenure with Zenit Kazan from 2020 until his retirement in 2023.
3.2. National Team Career
Aleksandr Volkov made his debut for the Russia men's national volleyball team on 4 June 2005, in an European League match against Estonia held in Tallinn. In August of the same year, he participated in the 2005 FIVB Men's Junior World Championship, where he contributed to Russia's gold medal victory and was ranked 6th among the best blockers.
From 2007 onwards, Volkov became a key player for the senior national team. He helped Russia secure silver medals in the 2007 World League, the 2007 European Championship, and the 2007 World Cup. He earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Volkov continued to contribute to the national team's success, winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. His national team career spanned from 2004 to 2016. He also participated in the 2006 World Championship, where Russia finished 7th, and the 2010 World Championship, where they placed 5th.
4. Sporting Achievements
Aleksandr Volkov has accumulated numerous significant awards and accolades throughout his distinguished professional volleyball career, both at the club and national team levels, alongside individual recognitions.
4.1. Club Achievements
Volkov's club career was marked by success in various domestic and international competitions.
| Competition | Year(s) | Medal / Result | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEV Champions League | 2006-2007 | Bronze medal | Dynamo Moscow |
| 2009-2010 | Silver medal | Dynamo Moscow | |
| 2011-2012 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| 2012-2013 | Bronze medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| 2014-2015 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| FIVB Club World Championship | 2011 | Bronze medal | Zenit Kazan |
| Russian Championship | 2003-2004 | Silver medal | Dynamo Moscow |
| 2005-2006 | Gold medal | Dynamo Moscow | |
| 2006-2007 | Silver medal | Dynamo Moscow | |
| 2007-2008 | Gold medal | Dynamo Moscow | |
| 2009-2010 | Bronze medal | Dynamo Moscow | |
| 2011-2012 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| 2012-2013 | Bronze medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| 2013-2014 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| 2014-2015 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| Russian Cup | 2005-2006 | Gold medal | Dynamo Moscow |
| 2007-2008 | Gold medal | Dynamo Moscow | |
| 2014-2015 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| Russian SuperCup | 2011 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan |
| 2012 | Gold medal | Zenit Kazan | |
| Italian SuperCup | 2010 | Gold medal | Piemonte Volley |
| Italian Cup | 2010-2011 | Gold medal | Piemonte Volley |
| Italian Championship | 2010-2011 | Silver medal | Piemonte Volley |
4.2. National Team Achievements
Volkov's career with the Russian national team was highlighted by multiple medals in major international tournaments.
| Competition | Year | Medal / Result |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 2008 Beijing | Bronze medal |
| 2012 London | Gold medal | |
| World Cup | 2007 Japan | Silver medal |
| 2011 Japan | Gold medal | |
| World League | 2007 | Silver medal |
| 2008 | Bronze medal | |
| 2009 | Bronze medal | |
| 2010 | Silver medal | |
| 2011 | Gold medal | |
| European Championship | 2007 Russia | Silver medal |
| World Championship | 2006 | 7th place |
| 2010 | 5th place |
4.3. Individual Awards
Volkov received several individual honors recognizing his outstanding performance on the court.
- 2007 CEV Champions League - Best Blocker
- 2009 CEV European Championship - Best Spiker
- 2011 Italian SuperCup - Most Valuable Player
- 2011 Memorial of Hubert Jerzy Wagner - Best Server
5. Coaching Career and Retirement
Aleksandr Volkov retired from his professional playing career in 2023. Following his retirement as a player, he transitioned into coaching. In 2023, he was appointed as the head coach for Belogorie, the same club where he began his professional career, marking a new chapter in his involvement with volleyball.