Igor Polyansky

Igor Polyansky, born on March 20, 1967, in Novosibirsk, is a distinguished former backstroke swimmer who represented the USSR. His swimming journey began at Dynamo in Novosibirsk, where he honed his skills and eventually earned the title of Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR in 1986.

From 1985 to 1990, Polyansky was a prominent member of the USSR National Team, showcasing his talent on the international stage. His crowning achievement came at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, where he won three medals, including a gold in the 200 m backstroke.

Polyansky's prowess in the pool was further highlighted by his performance at the 1986 World Aquatics Championships, where he secured gold medals in both the 100 m and 200 m backstroke events, along with a bronze in the 4×100 m medley relay. He also made history on March 3, 1985, in Erfurt, GDR, by setting a world record in the 200 m backstroke with a time of one minute fifty-eight point fourteen seconds, a record that stood for six years.

In addition to his world record in the 200 m backstroke, Polyansky improved the world record time in the 100 m backstroke three times between 1988 and 1989, culminating in a remarkable fifty-five seconds flat in Moscow. After graduating from the Omsk State Institute of Physical Culture in 1989, he relocated to New Zealand, where he now runs a swimming school called Waterlions in partnership with his wife. He actively contributes to the Auckland Swimming Community, coaching at Epsom Girls Grammar and Massey High School.