Vera Ilyina

1.1. Birth and Childhood

Vera Sergeyevna Ilyina was born on February 20, 1974, in Moscow, which was then part of the Soviet Union. Her early life in the capital city laid the foundation for her future athletic pursuits.

1.2. Education

Information regarding Vera Ilyina's formal education or specific coaches and mentors during her early, formative years in diving is not detailed in available records.

2.1. Early Career

Ilyina's international career commenced with her participation in the 1992 Summer Olympics, marking her entry into elite global diving. Prior to her Olympic debut, she had already demonstrated her potential by securing a silver medal at the 1991 European Aquatics Championships in Athens, competing in the 3 meter springboard event. This early success at a major continental championship underscored her emerging talent in the sport.

2.2. Olympic Games Participation

Ilyina competed in four consecutive Summer Olympics, from 1992 to 2004, consistently performing at an elite level and earning two Olympic medals.

2.3. World Aquatics Championships

Vera Ilyina also achieved notable success at the World Aquatics Championships, securing multiple silver medals throughout her career. She demonstrated her prowess in both individual and synchronized events at this global competition.

At the 1994 World Aquatics Championships in Rome, Italy, Ilyina earned a silver medal in the 3 meter springboard event. Nearly a decade later, at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, Spain, she secured another silver medal, this time in the 3 meter synchronized springboard, once again partnering with Yuliya Pakhalina.

2.4. European Aquatics Championships

Ilyina holds an impressive record at the European Aquatics Championships, where she accumulated numerous medals, including multiple gold and silver accolades, showcasing her dominance at the continental level. Her consistent performances made her one of the most successful divers in European history.

Her European Championship medal haul includes:

• Silver medal in 1991 (Athens) for 3 meter springboard.
• Silver medal in 1993 (Sheffield) for 3 meter springboard.
• Bronze medal in 1993 (Sheffield) for 1 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 1995 (Vienna) for 1 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 1995 (Vienna) for 3 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 1997 (Seville) for 1 meter springboard.
• Silver medal in 1997 (Seville) for 3 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 1999 (Istanbul) for 1 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 1999 (Istanbul) for 3 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 2000 (Helsinki) for 1 meter springboard.
• Gold medal in 2000 (Helsinki) for 3 meter synchronized diving.
• Silver medal in 2002 (Berlin) for 1 meter springboard.
• Silver medal in 2002 (Berlin) for 3 meter synchronized diving.
• Gold medal in 2004 (Madrid) for 3 meter synchronized diving.
• Silver medal in 2004 (Madrid) for 3 meter springboard.

2.5. Major Achievements

Vera Ilyina's major achievements include an Olympic gold medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the synchronized 3 meter springboard event, followed by an Olympic silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the same discipline, both achieved with partner Yuliya Pakhalina. She also secured two silver medals at the World Aquatics Championships, one in the individual 3 meter springboard in 1994 and another in the synchronized 3 meter springboard in 2003. Furthermore, her career is highlighted by an extensive collection of gold and silver medals from the European Aquatics Championships, underscoring her consistent high-level performance.

3.1. Current Residence

As of available information, Vera Ilyina currently resides in Houston, United States.

4.1. Medal Achievements

Vera Ilyina's career is distinguished by a significant collection of medals across major international diving competitions, reflecting her enduring success and skill.