Passion or Profession: Athlete

Period: 1945–

A native of the city of Sukhumi, Saneyev competed in four Olympics for the Soviet Union, winning three gold medals (1968, 1972, and 1976) and one silver medal (1980) in the triple-jump event. Considered the best triple-jumper of his era, he was a world record-holder in the event and won two European Championships. After retiring from competition, he embarked on a coaching career.