1. Early Life and Background
Sergey Litvinov was born on January 23, 1958, in Tsukerova Balka, located in the Krasnodar Krai region of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (Russian SFSR) within the Soviet Union. He embarked on his athletic training in hammer throwing at the SKA sports society in Rostov-on-Don. Litvinov stood at 5.9 ft (1.8 m) tall and weighed approximately 234 lb (106 kg) during his competitive years, a physique well-suited for the demanding discipline of hammer throwing.
2. Competitive Career
Sergey Litvinov's athletic career was marked by extraordinary achievements, fierce rivalries, and multiple world records, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest hammer throwers of his era.
2.1. Rivalry with Yuriy Sedykh
Throughout his career, Litvinov engaged in a legendary and intense rivalry with his compatriot and fellow Soviet hammer thrower, Yuriy Sedykh. Their contests often pushed the boundaries of the sport, leading to multiple exchanges of world records. On May 16, 1980, Sedykh set a new world record with a throw of 265 ft (80.64 m). Just eight days later, Litvinov responded by achieving his first world record with a throw of 268 ft (81.66 m). However, their battle continued at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, where Sedykh regained the world record with a mark of 268 ft (81.8 m), forcing Litvinov to settle for a silver medal.
The world record continued to be a focal point of their rivalry. On June 4, 1982, Litvinov once again surpassed Sedykh's mark, setting a new world record of 276 ft (83.98 m), an improvement of over 6.6 ft (2 m). He further extended his own world record on June 21, 1983, with a throw of 276 ft (84.14 m). Despite Litvinov's records, Sedykh maintained his competitive edge, improving the world record to 283 ft (86.34 m) in 1984 in Cork, Ireland, and later to an astounding 285 ft (86.74 m) at the 1986 European Championships in Stuttgart, West Germany, a mark that remains the current world record in the event. Litvinov's personal best throw of 282 ft (86.04 m) in 1986 placed him second on the all-time performer's list behind Sedykh, showcasing the incredible heights to which their competition propelled the sport.
2.2. Major International Competitions
Sergey Litvinov consistently performed at the highest level in major international competitions, securing numerous medals throughout his career.
At the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, representing the Soviet Union, he earned a silver medal with a throw of 265 ft (80.64 m), finishing behind Yuriy Sedykh and ahead of Jüri Tamm. In 1982, at the European Championships in Athens, Greece, he secured a bronze medal with a throw of 258 ft (78.66 m), again trailing Sedykh.
Litvinov's first major international gold medal came at the inaugural World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, where he won with a throw of 271 ft (82.68 m), notably outperforming Sedykh. The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles saw the Soviet Union boycott the games, preventing Litvinov from competing. He did, however, participate in the Friendship Games in Moscow that year, earning a bronze medal with 267 ft (81.3 m).
In 1986, Litvinov competed at the Goodwill Games in Moscow, taking silver with 278 ft (84.64 m). Later that year, at the European Championships in Stuttgart, despite achieving his personal best of 281 ft (85.74 m), he once again earned a silver medal, finishing behind Sedykh's world record-breaking throw.
Litvinov reclaimed the top spot at the 1987 World Championships in Rome, Italy, where he won gold with 273 ft (83.06 m). Sedykh was absent from this competition, allowing Litvinov to win by a margin of over 6.6 ft (2 m) ahead of Jüri Tamm. His crowning Olympic achievement came at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Litvinov won the gold medal with an Olympic record throw of 278 ft (84.8 m), surpassing Sedykh and with Jüri Tamm securing bronze. This Olympic record still stands today.
Following the 1988 Olympics, the emergence of other talented hammer throwers in the Soviet Union led to Litvinov not being selected for the 1991 World Championships or the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Litvinov competed for Russia at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, finishing seventh with a throw of 258 ft (78.56 m).
The table below summarizes Sergey Litvinov's performances in major international competitions:
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Representing Soviet Union | ||||
| 1980 | Olympic Games | Moscow, Soviet Union | 2nd | 265 ft (80.64 m) |
| 1982 | European Championships | Athens, Greece | 3rd | 258 ft (78.66 m) |
| 1983 | World Championships | Helsinki, Finland | 1st | 271 ft (82.68 m) |
| 1984 | Friendship Games | Moscow, Soviet Union | 3rd | 267 ft (81.3 m) |
| 1986 | Goodwill Games | Moscow, Soviet Union | 2nd | 278 ft (84.64 m) |
| European Championships | Stuttgart, West Germany | 2nd | 281 ft (85.74 m) | |
| 1987 | World Championships | Rome, Italy | 1st | 273 ft (83.06 m) |
| 1988 | Olympic Games | Seoul, South Korea | 1st | 278 ft (84.8 m) |
| Representing Russia | ||||
| 1993 | World Championships | Stuttgart, Germany | 7th | 258 ft (78.56 m) |
2.3. World Records and Personal Bests
Sergey Litvinov set three world records during his illustrious career. His first world record was 268 ft (81.66 m) in May 1980. He later improved this to 276 ft (83.98 m) in June 1982, and his final world record was 276 ft (84.14 m) in June 1983.
His personal best throw was 282 ft (86.04 m), achieved in 1986. This throw was a testament to his consistent pursuit of excellence and placed him as the second-best performer in the sport's history at that time, only behind Yuriy Sedykh's then-world record.
3. Coaching Career
After his retirement from competitive hammer throwing, Sergey Litvinov dedicated himself to coaching, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes. He became a respected athletics coach, particularly in the discipline of hammer throw. Among the notable athletes he mentored were Ivan Tsikhan, a highly successful Belarusian hammer thrower, and his own son, Sergey Sergeyevich Litvinov, who also became an elite hammer thrower, competing for Russia. His coaching contributions helped shape the careers of several prominent athletes in the sport.
4. Personal Life
Sergey Litvinov's personal life was closely intertwined with his athletic passion, particularly through his family. His son, also named Sergey Litvinov (born in 1986), followed in his father's footsteps and became an elite hammer thrower. This continued legacy underscores the deep connection Litvinov had with the sport beyond his own competitive career.
5. Death
Sergey Litvinov passed away on February 19, 2018, at the age of 60. The incident occurred in Sochi, Russia, where he resided and continued his coaching activities. Reports from Russia's athletics federation indicated that he suddenly collapsed from his bicycle while cycling home after a coaching session. Despite efforts by an ambulance crew, they were unable to revive him.
6. Legacy and Recognition
Sergey Litvinov's lasting impact on the sport of hammer throwing is profound, marked by his competitive excellence, his enduring records, and his contributions as a coach. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hammer throwers in history, celebrated for his technical prowess and mental fortitude.
6.1. Major Achievements and Honors
Litvinov's career was defined by a remarkable collection of medals, titles, and records. His most significant accomplishments include:
- Olympic Gold Medalist:** 1988 Seoul
- Olympic Silver Medalist:** 1980 Moscow
- Two-time World Champion:** 1983 Helsinki and 1987 Rome
- European Silver Medalist:** 1986 Stuttgart
- European Bronze Medalist:** 1982 Athens
- Olympic Record Holder:** His throw of 278 ft (84.8 m) at the 1988 Seoul Olympics remains the current Olympic record for the men's hammer throw.
- Multiple World Record Breaker:** He set three world records during his career, pushing the boundaries of the event.
6.2. Influence on Hammer Throw
Litvinov's influence on hammer throwing extends beyond his personal achievements. His intense rivalry with Yuriy Sedykh is considered a golden age for the sport, as their head-to-head battles consistently resulted in record-breaking throws and elevated the profile of hammer throwing worldwide. This rivalry, characterized by mutual challenge and incredible performances, significantly advanced the technical and competitive standards of the event. Furthermore, his post-retirement coaching career, including the mentorship of Olympic medalists like Ivan Tsikhan and the continuation of his family's legacy through his son, demonstrates his enduring contribution to the development and excellence of hammer throwing. His Olympic record stands as a testament to his peak performance and a benchmark for future generations of athletes.