Larisa Turchinskaya

Who is Larisa Turchinskaya?

Larisa Turchinskaya, née Nikitina, born 29 April 1965 in Kostroma, is a retired Russian heptathlete.

Her personal best result is 7007 points, achieved on 10-11 June 1989 in Bryansk. This result remained the European record, until Carolina Klüft achieved 7032 points at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics. This performance still ranks Turchinskaya third on the world all time-performers list.

Turchinskaya won a silver medal at the 1990 Goodwill Games, but was later disqualified, after having tested positive for amphetamines..

Turchinskaya currently lives in Melbourne, Australia and still contributes to the sport - coaching many young Australian athletes.

Her daughter, Sarah, was born in 2005.