From July 31 to August 2, the Russian Masters Track and Field Championships were held in Chelyabinsk. Vyacheslav Dadykin, an employee of the Administrative Department of Altai State University, competed in three sprint events and returned home with three gold medals and a new national record.

Vyacheslav competed in the 65–69 age category. Over the three days of competition, he ran the 100-, 200-, and 400-metre races.

“In the 100 metres, I managed to set a Russian record, beating my own time from a month earlier in St Petersburg. I ran the distance in 13.30 seconds and took gold. On the second day, we ran the 200 metres. A strong headwind prevented me from breaking the record, but I still managed to to win the top prize with a time of 27.86 seconds. The third distance, 400 metres was the most difficult one – fatigue and poor health began to take their toll. Nevertheless, I finished first in 1 minute and 3 seconds. I was literally two seconds short of the record!” the athlete said, sharing his impressions.

Vyacheslav Dadykin has been involved in track and field since his youth, albeit intermittently. He has successfully competed in numerous both Russian and international championships. Between 2009 and 2013, he represented his country three times in Italy and also competed in Belgium, Germany, and Finland. He is currently an active member of the Barnaul running club Vostok-Sport.

“Throughout my life, I’ve created my own training plans. I now train two or three times a week, which is enough. Running, jumping, and strength training are what keep me in shape. I have always preferred short distances to long ones, as I find them easier. I also coach several other athletes privately,” Vyacheslav says.

Vyacheslav Dadykin once studied physics at Altai State University, although he never worked in this field. Sport has been a constant presence throughout his life. That is why, at the age of 65, he has returned to university: he is now enrolled in the Physical Education program at Altai State Pedagogical University. His degree will allow him to broaden his professional horizons and attract even more talented students to track and field.