Name Aleksandr Berkutov | Role Olympic athlete | |
Died November 7, 2012, Moscow, Russia | ||
Aleksandr Nikolaevich Berkutov (Russian: Александр Николаевич Беркутов; 21 May 1933 – 7 November 2012) was a Russian rower who had his best achievements in double sculls, paired with Yury Tyukalov. Together they won five consecutive European titles in 1956–61, the Henley Royal Regatta in 1957 and 1958, the Soviet title in 1957 and 1961, an Olympic gold medal in 1956, and an Olympic silver in 1960.
Berkutov started as a single sculler, and in 1954 won the Soviet title and a bronze medal at the European Championships. Next year, facing strong competition from the rising star Vyacheslav Ivanov, he changed to doubles. He retired in 1961 to become a rowing coach, and in 1972 replaced Tyukalov as the head coach of the Soviet national team. From 1990 until his death, he lectured at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism.