1. Overview
Sergey Nikolayevich Belyayev (Сергей Николаевич БеляевRussian) was a prominent Kazakhstani sport shooter who achieved international recognition for his performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Born on May 8, 1960, in Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, Belyayev specialized in rifle events. He notably earned two silver medals in the 50 metre rifle three positions and 50 metre rifle prone competitions, marking significant achievements for Kazakhstan in the sport. He passed away on September 6, 2020.
2. Early life and background
Sergey Nikolayevich Belyayev was born on May 8, 1960, in Tashkent, which was then part of the Uzbek SSR. Details regarding his family background and early childhood are not extensively documented, but he eventually pursued a career in sport shooting, where he became proficient with rifles.
3. Sporting career
Sergey Belyayev dedicated his career to sport shooting, primarily competing in rifle events. His most significant achievements came during the mid-1990s, culminating in a memorable performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
3.1. Early career
Belyayev's early career involved developing his skills as a rifle shooter. While specific details of his initial competitions and training are not available in public records, his dedication and talent led him to become a prominent figure in Kazakhstani sport shooting.
3.2. 1996 Atlanta Olympics
The pinnacle of Sergey Belyayev's career was his participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, United States. Representing Kazakhstan, he secured two silver medals, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision in rifle shooting.
He won his first silver medal in the men's 50 metre rifle three positions event. This demanding discipline requires competitors to shoot from prone, standing, and kneeling positions. His second silver medal came in the men's 50 metre rifle prone competition, where shooters lie on their stomachs and aim for accuracy. These achievements solidified his status as one of Kazakhstan's most successful Olympic athletes in shooting sports.
| Competition | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 Atlanta | 50 m rifle 3 pos | Silver |
| 1996 Atlanta | 50 m rifle prone | Silver |
3.3. Other competitions
Beyond his Olympic successes, Sergey Belyayev also participated in various other domestic and international shooting competitions. While specific detailed results from these events are not extensively documented in available records, his consistent presence at such events contributed to his reputation as a dedicated and skilled sport shooter.
4. Death
Sergey Nikolayevich Belyayev passed away on September 6, 2020. No further details regarding the circumstances or cause of his death are available.
5. Reception and legacy
Sergey Belyayev is remembered as a distinguished athlete who brought pride to Kazakhstan through his accomplishments in sport shooting. His two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics remain a significant part of Kazakhstan's Olympic history.
5.1. Positive reception
Belyayev's achievement of winning two silver medals at a single Olympic Games is widely celebrated as a testament to his dedication, discipline, and exceptional talent in sport shooting. His success served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Kazakhstan and contributed significantly to the nation's sporting heritage. He is recognized for his contributions to the development and visibility of shooting sports within the country.